Legal Checklist

Week 2, Lesson 2: Legal Basics You Need to Know

Check each item as you locate and copy it. Store copies somewhere only you can access.

• Tax returns — Last 2–3 years (federal and state), both individual and jointStored at:
• Pay stubs & W-2s — 3–6 months of recent pay stubs; W-2s for last 2 yearsStored at:
• Bank statements — All checking, savings, and money market accounts — last 12 monthsStored at:
• Investment & retirement statements — Most recent statements for all accounts (401k, IRA, brokerage)Stored at:
• Mortgage documents — Current mortgage statement, deed to propertyStored at:
• Debt statements — Credit cards, car loans, personal loans — current balances and statementsStored at:
• Vehicle titles — For all vehiclesStored at:
• Insurance policies — Life, health, home, auto — include policy numbersStored at:
• Social Security statement — Yours and any knowledge of spouse's earningsStored at:
• Prenuptial agreement (if applicable)Stored at:
• Children's birth certificates (if applicable)Stored at:
• Marriage certificateStored at:
• Your own photo ID and passportLocation:
• Business ownership documents (if either party owns a business)Stored at:

Bring these questions to every consultation. Use the space to write notes from each conversation.