Preparation Checklist | EQUES Law Group

Identity & case

Government-issued photo IDMarriage certificate, if applicablePrior court orders, agreements, or pending papersAddresses for the parties and children for the last five yearsA short timeline of key dates and events

Income

Recent pay stubs (usually 30–90 days)W-2s or 1099s for the last 1–3 yearsTax returns with schedules for the last 1–3 yearsProof of bonuses, commissions, overtime, unemployment, disability, retirement, or other incomeBusiness records if self-employed

Assets & debts

Bank statementsRetirement and investment statementsDeeds, mortgage statements, property tax, and insurance recordsVehicle titles and loan statementsCredit cards, student loans, personal loans, taxes, and medical billsRecords supporting an inheritance, gift, or premarital property claim

Children & parenting

Current parenting schedule and actual overnight calendarSchool and daycare contacts and calendarsHealth insurance cards and child-only premium costChildcare and extracurricular invoicesMedical, counseling, special-needs, or safety recordsA proposed schedule that addresses school, holidays, travel, and exchanges

Evidence & communication

Original messages with date and time visiblePhotos, video, voicemails, or incident records in original formPolice, medical, or agency records and case numbersNames and contact information for potential witnessesA concise index explaining what each important item shows

Questions & priorities

My three most important outcomesWhat I can compromise onMy next deadline or hearing dateQuestions that require a legal decisionPractical constraints: housing, work, transportation, childcare, safety

Bring what you have. Name what you do not.