evidence so far...

[cucooforcocoa 0]

We will only file for lifting conditional status around May/Jun of next year but my wife has been here with me since August 2005 and so far this is what we have...

Joint credit cards

Joint car insurance

Both names on lease (two years of lease with both name on it)

Joint bank account

Tax return (one year so far)

thats it...

I tried getting utilities with both names but So Cal Edison and the Gas company wouldn't let me so those bills are just in my name. We've taken many road trips so no "stubs" to add.

I will include the affidavits. What else can I include? Neither of us has health insurance so that's a no...Oh..we did work at the same company for about 6 months... How about paychecks in both our names? or something that reflects us both on the payroll.

Other than that I can't think of more I can do.. I don't want to get life insurance right now...It's probably too much money unless anyone knows of something inexpensive...

The last thing I can think of is savings account... I am not sure if her name is on it or not...I know our checking account statements have both our names but need to check the savings account...

I never thought much of this whole adjustment thing. Everyone who knows us can tell this is not a "fake" marriage so I never put much thought into it but now I realize the gov't really doesn't know us so that's why the paper trail is needed...I just hope I have enough or still have time to gather documentation...

Your input is appreciated...

[Kez/JWolf 6]

You have plenty time to gether any extra evidence.... your timeline would help people know where in the process you are.....

Kezzie

[Lou Lou 1]

Sounds like you're on the right track. Perhaps ask the landlord or letting angency to be one of the affidavits saying that they've seen you together, met you several times etc.? That will enforce the lease evidence. Between now and the time of filing you'll probably collect more so I wouldn't worry.

Edited August 25, 2006 by Lou Lou

[hcj 0]

Between now and next year I would focus on additional proofs of joint financial ties. It probably also does not hurt to take pictures of both of you together with family and/or friends on different occasions, to show that you hold yourselves out to the world as a couple.

Additional financial ties ideas:

- If you have any individual financial accounts that have beneficiaries listed (such as 401k, IRA), show that your spouse is listed as beneficiary.

- If you're both working and you get direct deposit into your joint bank account, show the paystubs and how they are both deposited into the same bank account. Working at the same company may not count for much, but having both your paychecks deposited into the same account shows you have a shared financial life.

- A small life insurance policy is probably much cheaper than you think. If you're interested, check into one year term life insurance for a modest amount of money, say $50,000. It will probably be under $20/month. It's renewable from year to year so you can get it for just one year if you want.

- If you can't get utilities in both names, try getting some in your name and some in your spouse's name.

- Write a will with your spouse as beneficiary

Other ideas:

- Statement from your workplace stating their records show your status as "married" and your spouse as your emergency contact

- Save any Christmas cards, wedding invitations, etc. that are addressed to both of you, along with the outer envelopes with the postmark date.

- Joint memberships to Blockbuster, Costco, the gym...