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Family Law Intake Form Document Checklist

For Family Law Attorneys, Paralegals, and Legal Intake Specialists

This comprehensive Family Law Intake Form checklist equips attorneys and legal professionals with a detailed guide for gathering essential client documentation. Designed to streamline client onboarding and ensure all legal requirements are met, this checklist covers personal identification, marriage documentation, financial disclosures, custody evidence, and supporting legal forms—helping law firms demonstrate expertise, minimize risk, and deliver superior client service.

Family Law Intake Form Document Checklist form template preview

Key Benefits

Ensures thorough and compliant client onboarding
Minimizes legal risk by capturing all critical documents
Demonstrates professional authority and deep legal expertise

Common Use Cases

Divorce and separation case intakeChild custody and support proceedingsPrenuptial or postnuptial agreement review

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents are mandatory for a family law intake?
Mandatory documents typically include government-issued photo ID, marriage certificates, financial disclosures, and any court orders or agreements. Additional items may be required based on case specifics.
Why are detailed financial documents necessary?
Accurate financial documentation is critical for fair division of assets, calculation of child or spousal support, and compliance with court requirements.
Do all documents need to be original?
Originals are preferred for identification and legal certificates; certified copies are acceptable for most other documents. Always consult your jurisdiction’s rules.

Checklist

Personal Documents

Government-issued photo identification (driver’s license or passport)
Required

Must be current and unexpired. Clear, color copy of both front and back required if submitting electronically. Used to verify client identity and for court filings.

Certified copy of marriage certificate
Required

Must be a state- or county-issued certified copy, not hospital souvenir. Required to prove legal marital status. If multiple marriages, provide all relevant certificates.

Birth certificates for all minor children
Required

Submit certified copies for each child under 18. Confirms parentage and is required for custody/support determinations.

Legal Forms

Prenuptial or postnuptial agreement (if applicable)

Provide signed and notarized agreement. Original preferred; certified copy acceptable. Cross-reference with financial documents for asset division.

Existing court orders or prior legal agreements
Required

Include all active or pending orders (e.g., custody, support, restraining orders). Certified copies required. Essential for understanding current legal obligations.

Financial Documents

Federal and state tax returns (last 3 years)
Required

Include full signed copies with all schedules, W-2s, and 1099s. Used to verify income, assets, and financial history.

Recent pay stubs or proof of income (last 3 months)
Required

Submit all pay stubs or direct deposit statements for the last 90 days. Self-employed clients must provide profit/loss statements and business tax returns.

Bank account statements (all accounts, last 6 months)
Required

Provide statements for checking, savings, and joint accounts. Required to establish financial position and trace marital assets.

Property deeds and mortgage statements
Required

Include current deeds, mortgage statements, and recent appraisals for all real estate holdings. Originals are preferred; copies must be legible. Cross-reference with prenuptial agreements if applicable.

Retirement and investment account statements (last 12 months)
Required

Provide complete statements for IRAs, 401(k)s, pensions, and brokerage accounts. Used for equitable distribution of marital assets.

Copies of current health, life, and auto insurance policies

Include declarations pages for all active policies. Important for determining coverage and beneficiary designations, especially in support and custody matters.

Child support payment history and receipts

Provide payment records, receipts, and correspondence with child support agencies. Demonstrates compliance or arrears in support obligations.

Supporting Evidence

Relevant communications (texts, emails, social media messages)

Select only communications directly relevant to your case (e.g., threats, admissions). Must be in unaltered, original format. Printouts should include timestamps and sender info.

Criminal records or background checks (if relevant)

Submit certified copies of any criminal records for parties involved, if relevant to custody or safety issues. Required in cases where allegations impact parental fitness.

Medical or psychological evaluation reports (if applicable)

Include recent reports or treatment summaries relevant to parenting, capacity, or special needs. Must be signed by licensed professionals and dated within the last 12 months.