Family Law

Inventory and photograph your household furniture, art, jewelry and other items of value. Inventory and photograph the contents of any safe deposit box or family safe your family may own. Also, photocopy any important documents in the safe or safe deposit box (if you did not already do so when collecting the financial records).

It is unfortunate, but often these documents and property will ?disappear? once the divorce process starts so get your proof in place now. I recently had a client that had noticed several boxes in the house prior to the divorce relating to a family business. After advising the client to take the boxes to Kinko's to make copies before the boxes disappeared, the client waited (hoping things would go well in the divorce) and guess what, things took a turn for the worse and -- the boxes disappeared.

Additionally, you may want to consider safeguarding any items of particular value (either monetary or sentimental) which are small in size. I am referring primarily to things like the jewelry your mother passed down to you, your father?s fountain pen, your high school year book, your childhood photo albums, etc. Your spouse may not share your desire to divorce with dignity. Better to safeguard those items that are particularly difficult to replace.

Note that I am not suggesting you empty the house of its contents. That is a sure way to escalate the divorce and guarantee that you will not have a civilized divorce. Things like dvd players, camcorders and laptops can be replaced. Just document those on your inventory and photograph them for proof in the event it is ever needed. Whether you take photos with a Polaroid, digital camera, or cell phone, do not forget to keep the photos that you have taken in a safe place. If you are concerned about things disappearing, start making a list of the items in the house. If you are not so concerned about items disappearing, start making a list of the personal property items that you want or the personal property that is in the possession of the other party that you want to have.