Transitioning to the next chapter of your life following a divorce can be tough, especially when lingering negative emotions are still present. Holding on to items and paperwork that remind you of your failed marriage can make the process even more challenging. You may feel tempted to throw away your divorce records, but it’s important to avoid making a hasty decision before fully understanding the potential long-term consequences of discarding this paperwork. The following blog explores the paperwork you should hold on to following your divorce and how an adept Suffolk County Divorce Attorney can help you navigate this complex legal process.
What Are the Most Important Divorce Documents to Keep?
After a divorce, many individuals make the mistake of discarding important legal documents such as their original marriage certificate and settlement agreement. Understandably, you want to move on to the next chapter of your life without any reminders of your former spouse. However, it’s important to preserve certain legal documents as you may need them in the future.
One of the most important documents you should hold on to is your marriage license. This legal document authorizes your marriage. Therefore, it corroborates that you and your spouse were in a legal union. Down the road, you may need to prove the duration of your marriage to demonstrate your eligibility to receive certain benefits. For example, if you were married for ten years or longer, you may be entitled to claim your former spouse’s Social Security benefits. However, if you fail to keep your original marriage license alongside your divorce decree, both of which verify the duration of your marriage, you may jeopardize your ability to receive a portion of your former spouse’s benefits.
Moreover, it’s vital to keep your separation agreement following your divorce. This legal document stipulates the terms and conditions for the dissolution of your marriage, including alimony payments, child custody arrangements, the division of marital assets, and child support obligations. In the unfortunate event that your former spouse neglects their legal obligations, this document can get the court to take the necessary action to enforce the terms.
How Long Should I Store My Divorce Records?
Despite wanting to get rid of anything that reminds you of your former spouse, you should hold on to these documents forever. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to anticipate when you may need these documents. For instance, if you face a substantial change in your financial circumstances, you will need to provide the court with financial records that prove a modification to your existing settlement agreement is necessary. Without financial statements that can corroborate this claim, the court may not grant a modification.
For information regarding what documents to keep after your divorce is finalized, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our dedicated attorneys. At the Law Offices of Susan A. Kassel, P.C., we are prepared to help you move on to the next chapter of your life on the right foot and safeguard your future.
