How Long Should I Keep My Divorce Records?

Once your divorce is finalized you might want to rid yourself of all reminders of your relationship. However, some things related to your divorce are important to keep around in case you need certain information down the line. Speak with a Farmington Hills divorce lawyer to discuss your divorce and get more specific information on the documents that may be important later on.

How Long Do I Need to Keep My Divorce Records?

In general, you should keep your divorce records and associated information for the rest of your life. You never know when a situation will arise that requires you to prove that your marriage ended or the legal obligations of your former spouse. Although you probably won’t need them on a regular basis and you may never reach for them, it is important to keep these documents around.

You may be able to make digital copies of certain documents to free up space in your safe or lockbox, but original documents are always better, especially when talking about your marriage license or divorce agreement. Store these documents in a safe, fireproof lockbox, or other secure area in case you need them.

What Are the Most Important Documents to Keep?

While all documents are important and could come in handy one day, some are more vital than others. When leafing through your documents, hang onto the following information.

• Divorce decree: Your divorce decree is the document detailing the court’s dissolution of your marriage. It is the evidence that you are no longer legally married and it includes information about the agreements made regarding alimony, child custody, child support, property division, and more. It will detail important dates, your name change, and any rulings made by the judge. This is arguably the most important document you should hold onto after your divorce.
• Marriage license: Be sure to keep a copy of your marriage license as well. It is important to be able to prove when your marriage started and ended for tax purposes if you were to be audited. Additionally, if you were married for 10 years or longer you may be able to receive Social Security benefits through your ex. You may need your marriage license to prove this information.
• Financial records: It will be wise to hang onto financial records like alimony payments, child support payments, and any financial information exchanged during the divorce proceedings.
• Appraisals: During the division of property you likely had your home, property, or other real estate appraised. You should keep copies of the appraisals to maintain evidence of what your assets were worth at the time of your divorce.

Speak with a lawyer about any questions or concerns, but it is generally beneficial to hold onto the above documents. You never know when they might come in handy.