If custody and visitation are at issue in your case, prepare a detailed description of what custody and parenting time arrangements you believe are in your child(ren)’s best interests. Be sure to consider what this looks like on a day-to-day basis for your child(ren). With which parent will they reside? When and where will the other parent exercise his or her time with your child(ren)? What will your arrangements look like for school holidays (spring break, summer vacation, winter vacation, etc)? What will arrangements look like for other holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Easter, Passover, etc.)? Are there any parental guidelines you believe are important to include in your proposal? (See here for Judge Brown’s or “standard” parental guidelines).

For Separation and Divorce Cases Only. Even if you and your spouse have divided your bank accounts and other assets to your satisfaction, a good settlement agreement will set out the terms of such division. You should prepare a list of all assets, whether you believe they are marital or not, and the proposed or agreed disposition for each. Examples of assets include: Real estate, businesses, bank account (checking, savings, investment), retirement accounts, vehicles, personal property, other items of value (gold, silver, coins, firearms, etc). It is critical you list the value of these items for the date your case was filed, and bring proof of these values (statements or other documentation).

For Separation and Divorce Cases Only. Even if you and your spouse have divided your debts and liabilities to your satisfaction, a good settlement agreement will set out the terms of such division. You should prepare a list of all debts, whether you believe they are marital or not, and the proposed or agreed disposition for each. Examples of debts include: mortgages, credit card debt, judgements, liens, personal loans, etc. It is critical you list the value of these debts for the date your case was filed, and bring proof of those values (statements or other documentation).

You will need to bring proof of your gross monthly income. This is a factor in negotiations on child support, asset and debt division, and alimony. Your most recent pay stub is the best documentation of this. If you have recently changed jobs, are self-employed, and/or your income varies, recent tax returns and other proof of income will be necessary.