Expenses include but are not limited to the cost of housing, taxes, utilities, household repairs and maintenance, food and household products, clothing, laundry, doctors, medicine and hospitalization, insurance policies, transportation, education, recreation, vacations and miscellaneous items such as loan payments, child care, and the beauty salon. Keep your notes in a safe place where your spouse will not find them, preferably out of the marital residence. These notes are being kept for the purpose of preparation of your divorce case and should be labeled as such. Such information is considered privileged and can not be obtained by your spouse's attorney. Update your notes and describe incidents as they occur so that you and your attorney have accurate and current information.
Marriage is an economic partnership.
You have a right to all records affecting the finances of you or your spouse. It does not matter in whose name the papers or accounts are kept. It will be cheaper, easier and faster if you collect as much documentation as you can instead of your lawyer. These documents contain important information about the assets, debts, and income of the marriage. Pay stubs will not only disclose income but will also show if money is being taken out for pension, annuity, investment, health or other company or union benefits.