Now that your divorce is finalized, it’s time to focus on your future. One important aspect often overlooked is organizing and keeping essential documents from your divorce proceedings. These documents are more than just pieces of paper: they hold vital information about your rights, duties and agreements. In this guide, we’ll break down the must-keep documents and why they are important as you move forward. By having these documents in order, you’ll be better prepared to handle future situations that may arise.
1. The Divorce Decree
The most important document to make sure you have is your divorce degree. You should have a copy that the judge has signed, preferably a certified copy, which is as good as an original. If the judge does not sign the decree, it is not a full and final order.
You should store the divorce decree in a safe place, such as a fireproof safe at home or a safety deposit box at the bank. Do not rely on your attorney to keep the decree; attorneys move, retire and may not keep old documents. It’s simpler and less expensive to hold onto your own. You should also scan it so you have both a physical and digital copy for added security, but if it’s a certified copy, please DO NOT unstaple.
2. Financial Payment Records
Keep records of payments made or received for child support or spousal support. You should also keep any medical claims that were submitted and reimbursed. In the future you may need to refer to these documents if your ex-spouse is claiming that there was a missed payment, late payment or some other disagreement.
3. Property Documents
Retain deeds or titles for any real property awarded to you in the divorce. Some individuals mistakenly assume that being awarded the house in a divorce decree automatically grants them ownership. However, it’s important to understand that properties like houses and vehicles have associated titles. Therefore, filing in the county deed records and keeping a copy of the filed deed is essential to prove ownership rights.
4. Financial Information
Maintain up-to-date financial records, including payroll records, bank statements and tax returns. It is important to keep your financial records in order because they play a significant role in potential changes to child support arrangements, especially if you have a child under 18, still in high school, or with special needs.
The court has the power to adjust child support based on changes in circumstances, such as an increase in your or your ex-spouse’s income. In Texas, the family code requires child support to be reviewed every three years. If the Attorney General is involved in your case, they typically handle these reviews to ensure that children receive the support they need. Their primary aim is to maximize child support payments through their system, ensuring that the well-being of children is prioritized.
Remember to keep both physical and digital copies of these documents in a secure location. By staying organized and retaining these essential records, you can manage your post-divorce life more smoothly and protect your rights.
Contact an Experienced Dallas Family Law Attorney
For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact Paula Lock Smyth Law Offices at 214-420-1800. Our office is located at 2911 Turtle Creek Blvd., Suite 300, Dallas, TX 75219.
Paula Lock Smyth has practiced law in Texas since 1985, focusing on Family Law, Probate, Mediation, and Collaborative Divorce. She is a trained mediator, seasoned litigator, and one of the early adopters of Collaborative Divorce in Texas. Paula is a member of the State Bar of Texas, the College of the State Bar and the Texas Bar Foundation and has served as Past President of Dallas Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers. She was a Master in the Annette Stewart Inn of Court and is a Charter Member of the Collaborative Law Institute of Texas. Her legal knowledge and decades of experience make her a trusted voice on matters that impact families across Dallas and surrounding counties.