For a Divorce, know where these Documents are!

Many people don't know where to start when they are preparing for a divorce.

We recommend the first thing you do is gather the documents you will need.

Though every situation is different, here are some documents you will likely need.

1. Your ORIGINAL Marriage Certificate

To apply for divorce in Saskatchewan, you will need your original marriage certificate. If you don't have yours on hand, you can easily order it through the eHealth website.

Note: If you were married in another country and your marriage certificate is not written in English, you will need to have it translated. The Open Door Society is a great option for translation services.

2. Your Separation Agreement

Though you may never need to provide this to the court, it is helpful to have a separation agreement completed before you file for divorce. This document can help address how you will divide your property, handle spousal and child support, and many other important issues that you may otherwise forget to deal with and can come back to haunt you later on.

Note: If you have children, it may be necessary to file your separation agreement with your divorce application. Speak to a lawyer or a mediator if you are unsure if this will apply to you.

3. Your financial information

It is common for people to file their most recent Notice of Assessment or Income Tax return with their divorce application. People may also choose to provide their last few pay-stubs in lieu of their income tax information if their income has significantly changed since they last submitted their taxes.

Note: This may not be necessary in your situation if there is no support obligation. Speak to a lawyer or a mediator if you are unsure if this will apply to you.

4. Your bank statements, credit card statements, mortgage statements, etc.

Though these documents may not be necessary for the official divorce proceeding, it is helpful to know where all of these documents are, especially if you are still in the process of negotiating a separation agreement.

5. Your Life Insurance & Health Benefits information

Though these likely will not be needed for the divorce proceeding, it is helpful to know if you need to cancel your insurance or benefits, or if they can be switched to a single person policy/benefit package.

Note: You may need to have a separation agreement or a divorce certificate to change insurance or benefits. Speak with your insurance or benefit provider if you are unsure.

6. Your Estate Documents

Though these are not needed for the divorce proceeding, many people have their spouse listed as their executor/trustee/proxy/power of attorney and/or beneficiary in their estate documents. Make sure you know where these documents are so you can double check if they need to be updated.

We hope you found this brief list helpful! If you have more questions about what might be helpful to gather before applying for divorce, please give us a shout! We'd love to help!