BEFORE YOU FILE

TEMPLATE 1

Informing Your Spouse You Are Filing

Subject: Regarding Our Marriage

Hi [Spouse's Name], I want to let you know that I have made the decision to file for divorce. This was not a decision I came to lightly, and I want to handle this process as respectfully and calmly as possible. I am committed to working through the necessary steps — including property division, parenting arrangements, and any financial matters — in a fair and cooperative way. I would like us to communicate directly when possible and avoid unnecessary conflict. I am open to mediation if you are. Please feel free to reach out to discuss next steps at a time that works for both of us. [Your Name]

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TEMPLATE 2

Requesting Financial Documents

Subject: Request for Financial Documents — Divorce Proceedings

Hi [Spouse's Name], As we move through the divorce process, I am requesting copies of the following financial documents so both of us can have a complete picture of our marital assets and debts: - Last 3 years of federal and state tax returns - Last 6 months of bank statements (all accounts) - Most recent mortgage statement(s) - Last 6 months of credit card statements - Most recent 401(k) / retirement account statements - Any business ownership documents or recent profit/loss statements - Vehicle titles and loan statements - Life insurance policies with cash value Please send these by [Date — 2 weeks from now]. If you prefer, we can exchange documents through our respective attorneys or mediator. Thank you for your cooperation. [Your Name]

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TEMPLATE 3

Confirming a Mediation Appointment

Subject: Mediation Appointment Confirmation — [Date]

Dear [Mediator's Name], Thank you for scheduling our mediation session. I am writing to confirm the following appointment details: Date: [Date] Time: [Time] Location / Video Link: [Location or Zoom link] Parties: [Your Name] and [Spouse's Name] Please let me know if there are any documents or forms you would like us to bring or submit in advance. If anything changes on your end, please contact me at [Your Email] or [Your Phone]. We look forward to working with you. [Your Name]

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TEMPLATE 4

Notifying HR of a Name Change

Subject: Legal Name Change — Update to Employee Records

Dear [HR Contact or HR Department], I am writing to inform you that my legal name has changed following a recent divorce. My name change has been formally processed through the courts in [State]. My previous legal name: [Former Name] My new legal name: [New Name] I am enclosing / attaching a copy of my court-issued name change order (or divorce decree) for your records. Please update my name across all employment records, payroll, benefits enrollment, email address, and any other systems where my name appears. Please let me know if you need any additional documentation to complete this update. Thank you, [New Name] [Employee ID / Department]

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TEMPLATE 5

Notifying Children's School of Custody Arrangement

Subject: Custody Arrangement Notice — [Child's Name(s)]

Dear [Principal / School Administrator / Teacher], I am writing to notify [School Name] of a change in our family's situation that may affect [Child's Name]'s pickup and emergency contact arrangements. [Child's Name]'s parents, [Parent 1 Name] and [Parent 2 Name], have finalized a custody arrangement. Below is a summary: Primary residential parent: [Parent Name] Parent-time schedule: [Brief description, e.g., "alternating weeks" or "Mon/Wed/Fri with one parent, Tue/Thu and alternating weekends with the other"] Authorized pickup: Both parents are authorized for pickup unless you receive written notice from [Parent Name] or a court order restricting pickup. If any questions arise, please contact: [Parent 1 Name]: [Phone] / [Email] [Parent 2 Name]: [Phone] / [Email] We appreciate your support and discretion during this transition. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions. [Your Name]

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