Complete checklist of documents and information needed for fair property division after separation. Comprehensive guide for Queensland families.
Property settlement requires comprehensive financial disclosure from both parties. Use this detailed checklist to systematically gather all necessary documents before meeting with your family lawyer or beginning settlement negotiations.
How to Use This Checklist
- Print this page and tick items as you collect them
- Organise documents by category using folders or envelopes
- Make copies — keep originals secure, provide copies to your lawyer
- Note items you can’t access and discuss strategies with your solicitor
- Start gathering now — don’t wait until negotiations begin
8
Categories
60+
Documents
12
Months Records
3
Years Tax Returns
1 Real Estate & Property
- Current market appraisals or valuationsFor houses, land, units or investment properties.
- Copies of title deeds and ownership recordsDocuments showing who owns each property.
- Mortgage statementsCurrent balance, repayments and lender details.
- Rates notices and utility billsCouncil rates, water, electricity or other property expenses.
- Rental income and tenancy agreementsFor any investment or rental property.
- Home insurance or property insuranceCurrent insurance policies and renewal notices.
2 Bank Accounts & Financial Assets
- Bank account statementsSavings, transaction and joint account records.
- Credit card statementsCurrent balance and recent transactions.
- Investment account statementsShares, managed funds, crypto or other investments.
- Term deposit recordsDeposit value, maturity date and account details.
- Loan account statementsPersonal loans, car loans or other borrowings.
3 Superannuation
Superannuation can form part of a property settlement. You may need updated balance information from each fund.
- Current superannuation statementsMost recent balance from each super fund.
- Super fund detailsFund name, member number and account information.
- Self-managed super fund documentsTrust deed, financial statements and asset records.
- Defined benefit scheme informationAny special superannuation arrangements.
4 Income & Employment Records
- PayslipsRecent payslips from your employer.
- Employment contractSalary, benefits, bonuses and employment terms.
- Tax returns and notices of assessmentUsually for the last 2–3 financial years.
- Centrelink or benefit statementsAny government payments or support received.
- Business income recordsFor self-employed or business income.
5 Liabilities & Debts
- Mortgage statementsCurrent home loan or investment loan balances.
- Personal loan statementsLoan balance, repayments and lender details.
- Credit card balancesCurrent balances and minimum repayments.
- Tax debts or payment plansAny ATO debts or repayment arrangements.
- Buy now pay later accountsAfterpay, Zip or similar debts.
6 Vehicles & Personal Property
- Vehicle registration papersCars, motorbikes, boats or trailers.
- Vehicle loan or finance statementsCurrent payout balance and finance provider details.
- Vehicle insurance documentsCurrent policy and insured value.
- Valuations for valuable itemsJewellery, art, collectibles or high-value belongings.
- Household contents listFurniture, appliances and shared personal property.
7 Business Interests
- Business financial statementsProfit and loss, balance sheet and tax records.
- Company or trust documentsCompany constitution, trust deed or partnership agreement.
- Business bank statementsRecent business account records.
- Business asset listEquipment, vehicles, stock or other assets.
- Business liabilitiesLoans, overdrafts, leases or supplier debts.
8 Other Important Documents
- Marriage certificate or proof of relationshipRelevant relationship documents.
- Separation date recordsNotes, emails or documents confirming separation details.
- Financial agreements or court ordersAny existing legal agreements or orders.
- Insurance policiesLife, health, income protection or other policies.
- Estate planning documentsWills, powers of attorney or estate records.
Professional Document Gathering Tips
Begin gathering documents the moment you’re considering separation. Once your partner knows you’re separating, they may close accounts, change passwords, or restrict access. Screenshot online accounts, download statements, photograph important documents. Early preparation protects your position.
Start Early — Before Access Restricted
Begin gathering documents the moment you’re considering separation. Once your partner knows you’re separating, they may close accounts, change passwords, or restrict access. Screenshot online accounts, download statements, photograph important documents. Early preparation protects your position.
Organise by Category
Use this checklist’s 8 categories to create folders (physical or digital). Label each clearly: ‘Property Docs’, ‘Bank Statements’, ‘Super’, etc. Keep everything together — searching for documents during negotiations wastes time and money. Good organisation = faster settlement.
Photograph Assets Now
Take photos of jewellery, artwork, vehicles, contents of family home while you still have access. Date-stamped photos prove existence and condition of assets. Essential if partner might claim items ‘don’t exist’ or were ‘worthless’ later.
Missing Docs? Note and Flag
Can’t access certain accounts? Your ex has the business records? Note what’s missing and discuss with your lawyer. There are legal processes (subpoenas, court orders) to obtain documents your ex-partner won’t provide. Don’t assume missing = lost rights.
Secure Storage — Originals Safe
Store original documents somewhere your ex-partner doesn’t have access — trusted friend’s house, your lawyer’s office, bank safety deposit box. Provide copies to your lawyer, never originals. If you still live together, be discreet about document collection.
Digital Backups Essential
Scan or photograph every document. Save to cloud storage your ex can’t access (new email account if needed). Email yourself copies. Print important statements before online access potentially restricted. Digital + physical copies = double protection.
⚠️Common Document Gathering Mistakes to Avoid
Forgetting Superannuation Exists
Why it’s a problem: Super is often worth $200k-$500k+ and is legally part of property pool. Clients frequently overlook super or assume it can’t be touched until retirement. WRONG. Super must be valued and included in settlement regardless of when you can access it.
Only Providing Recent Statements
Why it’s a problem: Your lawyer needs 12+ months of bank statements to track asset dissipation, unusual transfers, and spending patterns. One month’s statements don’t show the full financial picture. Recent statements alone make it easy to hide assets.
Hiding or ‘Forgetting’ Debts
Why it’s a problem: Debts offset assets in property settlement. Failing to disclose liabilities can make you look dishonest to the Court. If your ex-partner reveals debts you didn’t mention, your credibility is damaged. Disclose everything.
Taking Only Your Own Documents
Why it’s a problem: You need YOUR documents AND evidence of your ex-partner’s finances. Take photos/copies of joint account statements, their payslips if accessible, tax returns you filed together, loan documents you both signed. Don’t wait until access is cut off.
Not Documenting Cash or Gifts
Why it’s a problem: If you received a $50k inheritance during the marriage or have $20k cash savings from before the relationship, you need proof (bank transfers, wills, statutory declarations). Without evidence, the Court may not accept your claims about separate property.
Disclaimer: This checklist provides general guidance for document collection in Queensland property settlement matters. It does not constitute legal advice. Every separation is different — your lawyer will advise which documents are most important for YOUR specific circumstances. Some items may not apply to your matter; other documents not listed may be required. For personalised advice about property settlement, contact Clear Path Family Law on 0413 174 775.
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We understand that taking the first step can feel difficult, which is why we focus on creating a supportive and welcoming environment for every client.