Why Should I Keep My Divorce-Related Documents?

We recommend you keep all your divorce-related documents forever because you never quite know when you will need them. Specifically, you should store them in a fireproof lockbox in your home or a secured safe at your local bank branch; somewhere that is out of sight and out of mind but that is still easily accessible when need be. Well, with that being said, follow along to find out why it is important to keep certain divorce-related documents and how one of the proficient Clarksville divorce lawyers at Fendley and Etson can help you understand the gravity of this matter.

What divorce records should I keep?

Again, you should save all records related to your divorce. However, three types of records are particularly important to have in safekeeping.

For one, you should keep your separation agreement that discloses the ruling on your alimony, child support, child custody, property division, and other divorce-related terms. Then, you should keep your marriage license that was valid when you and your former spouse were still legally married. Lastly, you should keep your financial records associated with your divorce, such as receipts of your alimony payments, child support payments, etc.

Why is it important to keep certain divorce-related documents?

Even though your divorce means that you have legally parted ways with your former spouse, they may be indefinitely tied to your life. This is to say that you may still enter legal battles with them in the aftermath of your divorce. And your divorce records may be the key to resolving these disputes.

For example, say that your former spouse is unwilling to drop your child off at your primary residence when it is your turn to take custody of them. Well, you may reference the child custody terms within your separation agreement to remind your former spouse of your agreed-upon parenting schedule. And if worse comes to worse, you may produce this document in the presence of a Tennessee family court.

Secondly, say that your former spouse is unwilling to give you the social security benefits to which you are likely entitled. Well, you may take your marriage license to your local Social Security Administration office and prove that you and your former spouse were married for more than 10 years; and, therefore, you should be paid a certain amount in benefits.

Last but not least, say that your former spouse is unwilling to continue fulfilling their alimony and child support obligations. Well, you may show the family court proof of your last received alimony and child support payment, to demonstrate how much you are still owed. Or, you may show your financial records since you have become financially independent, to demonstrate you need a greater amount in alimony and child support payments (i.e., a post-judgment modification).

In conclusion, there is no need to second-guess your decision to retain the services of one of the talented Clarksville family lawyers. We can guarantee that someone from Fendley and Etson will have your back through every step of the process.