Build a household inventory
List real estate, vehicles, bank accounts, retirement plans, investments, business interests, valuable personal property, and major debts. The list does not need perfect values at first; it needs to be complete enough to start.
Collect title and account records
Statements, deeds, loan documents, purchase records, and account registrations can help explain who owns what and when the asset or debt entered the family picture.
Flag separate-property questions
If an asset existed before marriage, came from an inheritance or gift, or was purchased using a mix of funds, note that history and bring supporting records if available. Classification questions can be fact-specific.
Do not move or hide assets
The safest preparation strategy is organization, not concealment or unilateral transfers. If you are worried about access to funds or preservation of property, discuss that concern directly with counsel.
Think beyond the current balance
Taxes, loans, transaction costs, retirement-plan rules, and liquidity can matter when comparing different settlement ideas. Two assets with similar headline values may not function the same way after divorce.