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Depending on your state, the records you mentioned--and tax returns--could give your lawyer an idea of how much property might be proveable as your seperate property, and perhaps a clue as to "who created the assets", a common point (of many) to be considered in dividing the assets in "equitable distribution" states. Inscrutably and outrageously, Texas is a community property state by statute, while also being an equitable distribution state by case law. Since the judge can take his pick of which law he likes, this means that it is really a de-facto "judicial tyranny" state. Thus, if you live here, it is more important to find a lawyer who is familiar with the local courts and with local judicial custom. More importantly than "divison" of assets, I would be concerned about your wife's mental problems. If she is not presently working, I would do everything I could to get her trained if she needs it, and get her a job. The worst thing that could happen would be for a court to order a mental assessment of her with a resultant conclusion that she is too ill to work, needs to be hospitalized, and even is incompetant to handle her own affairs and requires a court-appointed "guardian" (crony of the judge) to represent her in all legal matters--and "care for her best interests". You could end up paying for all of these things in addition to whatever division of assets would otherwise have occured. If she is already successfully working, however, this would make it much less likely the court might come to such a conclusion, less likely it would order alimony, and less likely it would "give"* her all of your money ("equitable" distribution) because of her supposed much greater "need"! One last point: I would try to see as many attorneys for free or even minimal cost initial consultations, as possible, and take notes. You might be surprised at how many different opinions you get! * That is, of course, after taking it away from YOU Disclaimer: Not legal advice |