copying documents

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I am currently going through the divorce process and one thing that I have learnt is that there is no point photocopying documents for your lawyer, unless they are in your own name. Anything in your partners's name e.g. employment contracts or bank statements cannot be viewed by your lawyer. This is because you have no legal right to have copies.

Just thought I'd mention this as everyone I spoke to was of the opinion I should tear the house apart copying everything in sight. I'm glad I didn't!

I always suggest collecting documents for your own knowledge of the household finance not really for the lawyers.

I hope things run smoothly for you though.

Who told you there is no point or that you don't have a legal right? The lawyer may not be able to view or use the documents but, as said above, background information is never a bad thing to have for your own use. If you ask your ex to declare all his assets, for example, and you know he has a bank account that he is trying to hide, you can tell this to your lawyer. The lawyer doesn't need to know how you know.... it is normal for husbands and wives to talk about finances.

Those who don't search for the truth, don't uncover it... and can be disadvantaged in any proceedings relating to a division of the spoils of war marital assets.

Your lawyer may not be able to cite documents relating to your stbx's finances that you provide to a divorce or other Court of Law, but there's nothing stopping him/her asking your spouse's solicitors to provide copies of x, y, z current/savings accounts, properties, inheritances, inshore/offshore trusts, contracts, etc based on the detailed personal knowledge of their financial affairs which you would have ordinarly become aware of during the course of your marriage.

If you didn't tear the house apart before, I suggest you make a start by looking under the mattress and the floorboards now.

Yes, I would look if I were you. Just because the photocopies can't be entered as evidence doesn't mean they are redundant!!

If you have knowledge of amounts of money and account numbers this is hugely useful in getting legitimate information which can be used.

A little knowledge can be a dangerous thing and it's particularly so in relation to the law.

When it comes to matters that can have a material effect for better or worse on your life, you're best advised not to believe anything others tell you until you've satisfied yourself that they are fully qualified to dispense advice.