Think Like a Lawyer Fight Like a Lover ®
Family Law Discovery Checklist
Mandatory Category
The documents listed below are essential and must be produced, no exception.*
| Description (start with the past 12 months so you do not rage quit) | I have | I can get | Does not exist |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tax returns | |||
| Pay stubs | |||
| Bank statements (including savings accounts, CashApp, PayPal, and brokerage accounts), money market, annuity, stock | |||
| Deeds (signed by you or granted to you) | |||
| Stock certificates (bonds, notes, corporate agreements) | |||
| Retirement statements (401K, pension, IRA) | |||
| Auto loan documents (applications, statements, financing statements) | |||
| Proof of loan payments (coupon books, statements) | |||
| Safe deposit box statement | |||
| Motor vehicle title/registration (include bill of sale, if available) | |||
| Employment benefits |
Broader Category
Before you start thinking your ex is rage-baiting you, these are also standard requests and common practice for most family law attorneys to ask for in discovery.
The following documents are routinely requested, but may not be necessary depending on the circumstances of your case.*
| Description (start with the past 12 months so you do not rage quit) | I have | I can get | Does not exist |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank deposit slips and/or passbooks | |||
| Insurance policies (life, medical, automobile) | |||
| Credit card statements | |||
| Surveillance or communications (reports, photographs, recordings) | |||
| Correspondence (letters, text messages, greeting cards) | |||
| Telephone bills (including itemized list of phone calls) | |||
| Any other evidence of your claims or defenses | |||
| Letters, notes, cards, emails, or other communication from romantic partner(s) during the marriage | |||
| Journals, notes you made during the marriage about the marriage or any other romantic partner | |||
| Your documents and records of gifts you gave to any romantic partner other than your spouse during the marriage | |||
| Documents and records of gifts you received from any romantic partner other than your spouse during the marriage | |||
| Travel and accommodations receipts for time spent with any romantic partner other than your spouse during the marriage | |||
| Records which evidence drug abuse and/or treatment |
Think Like a Lawyer Fight Like a Lover ® and Win for Your Family
Our 1-on-1 parent support for contested custody cases will no longer be available after September 30, 2026. Consider joining our monthly classes and group trainings.
View Events* For educational purposes only and not to be relied upon as a substitute for legal advice. Please consult with a licensed attorney in your state.
© 2026. Think Like a Lawyer Fight Like a Lover ® is a Registered Trademark of Law for Love LLC.
All Rights Reserved.
