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If you have any property or bills to divide, you should fill out this worksheet.
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 First, decide if you want to download the worksheet set in a format you can use on your PC or Mac, or wrestle with the text-based worksheets here in the Work Room. The set includes instructions, so if you get it, there's nothing left to do here online. For more information or to download a worksheets package, click here.
If you don't download the worksheets, print these instructions, then
View the worksheet with your browser and print it or save the text to your PC for formatting in any word processor.
Instructions:
- You need to find copies of documents related to any property on this worksheet: deeds, mortgages, trust deeds, notes, registration papers for motor vehicles, serial numbers for major items, account numbers for financial and retirement accounts, and so on. Make copies to hand over if you consult an attorney about your case.
- The value of property is always "fair-market value" which means the amount you can get for the item if sold on the open market less any costs of sale. You will need a professional appraisal for real property, pensions, a going business, or any items of uncertain or disputed value.
- Items 1 (f) and (i) is where you indicate if money for the purchase of the family home came from the separate property of either spouse.
- Item 8: "Whole" life insurance has a built in savings plan that builds up cash-in value over time; "term" insurance is cheaper but has no cash-in value. Examine all policies carefully to see which type they are.
- Item 9: For pension plans, in addition to information asked for, you will want to get a "Summary Plan Description" from the administrators of each plan (write to them) and the amount paid in on the account.
Decisions about property:
- What property is separate? What property is marital and must be divided?
- What is the fair-market value of the marital property?
- What do I want? What is fair? What does the law say in my state and how predictable is it in court? How do I want the marital property to be divided?
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