These prompts would help attorneys using Disclosure Ready quickly extract key insights from your party’s complex financial situation and develop effective legal strategies. We are using John Smith’s as an example:
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW & STRATEGY #
“What is John’s total net worth and how is it distributed between separate and community property?”
“What is John’s monthly cash flow after all debt payments, and what support capacity does this indicate?”
“What are John’s three largest assets and three largest debts, and how do they impact settlement negotiations?”
INCOME & SUPPORT ANALYSIS #
“What is John’s gross vs. net monthly income from all sources, and how has it trended over the past 3 years?”
“Based on John’s income and expenses, what would be the likely guideline child support and spousal support calculations?”
“What tax obligations does John have that could affect his available income for support payments?”
“Are there any bonuses, stock options, or variable compensation that should be considered for support calculations?”
DEBT & LIABILITY CONCERNS #
“What is John’s total debt-to-income ratio and are there any debts that could be challenged as separate rather than community obligations?”
“Which of John’s debts have the highest interest rates and should be prioritized in any settlement?”
“Are there any payment plans or loan modifications that could affect John’s cash flow during the divorce process?”
“What happens to the secured debts if the collateral assets are awarded to Jan?”
ASSET DIVISION PLANNING #
“What is the equity in each piece of real estate, and what would be the tax implications of keeping vs. selling each property?”
“How should John’s retirement accounts be valued for division, and what QDRO requirements need to be considered?”
“What personal property has appreciated significantly and might require updated appraisals?”
“Which assets generate income and how would splitting them affect each party’s post-divorce finances?”
RISK ASSESSMENT & RED FLAGS #
“Are there any significant changes in John’s asset values or debt balances over the past 12 months that need investigation?”
“What assets are vulnerable to market fluctuations and how should they be protected during the divorce process?”
“Are there any potential hidden assets based on John’s income level versus disclosed assets?”
“What business interests or investment accounts might require forensic accounting review?”
DISCOVERY & INVESTIGATION #
“What additional financial documents should we request from John to complete the financial picture?”
“Based on John’s lifestyle and spending patterns, are there any unexplained expenses or asset transfers?”
“What expert witnesses (appraisers, forensic accountants, tax specialists) might be needed for John’s case?”
“Are there any transactions in the past 3 years that could be characterized as waste or breach of fiduciary duty?”
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SETTLEMENT NEGOTIATIONS #
“What is John’s best-case and worst-case scenario for asset division based on current values?”
“If John keeps the family residence, what cash or other assets would he need to equalize the division?”
“What would be the tax consequences for John of different asset division scenarios?”
“How would different custody arrangements affect John’s support obligations and housing needs?”
CASH FLOW & LIQUIDITY #
“What liquid assets does John have available for immediate needs like attorney fees and temporary support?”
“If forced to sell assets quickly, what would be the likely impact on values and John’s net position?”
“What is John’s monthly budget post-divorce if he maintains his current lifestyle?”
“Are there any assets that could be refinanced to provide immediate cash without requiring sale?”
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS #
“How does John’s financial position compare to Jan’s in terms of income-generating capacity and asset accumulation?”
“What disparities exist between the parties that might justify unequal asset division or spousal support?”
“Which party is better positioned financially to maintain the children’s current lifestyle?”