What evidence do I need to collect for divorce if my husband doesn’t come home?

The evidence collected in divorce proceedings must focus on the fact of the breakdown of the marriage, which mainly includes five categories of separation certificates, economic transaction records, communication records, witness testimony and other auxiliary evidence.

1. Proof of separation:

Living apart for two consecutive years is one of the legal conditions for divorce. It is necessary to keep the rental contract, property payment receipts, water, electricity and gas records to prove the length of separation. ； Independent payment vouchers for their respective daily expenses during separation, such as supermarket receipts, takeout orders, etc. ； A certificate of separation issued by the community or neighborhood committee is more legally binding.

2. Economic transaction records:

Collect bank statements, joint property lists, debt certificates, etc. from both parties. Focus on retaining evidence that the man has not fulfilled his support obligations, such as records that the children’s education and medical expenses were paid by one party. ； If there is a transfer of property, screenshots of abnormal capital flows or transaction vouchers need to be saved, and if necessary, you can apply to the court to retrieve financial data.

3. Communication records:

Electronic communication records such as WeChat and text messages must be retained on the original carrier, and the evidence must be solidified through notarization or time stamps. The content must reflect the fact that the relationship has broken down, such as screenshots of chats that have refused to communicate for a long time, recordings that clearly express the desire for divorce, etc. Be careful not to edit or tamper with, and maintain the integrity of the record.

4. Witness testimony:

Written testimonies from relatives, friends, neighbors and other insiders must include specific examples, such as witnessing the couple being separated for a long time, or the man failing to fulfill his family responsibilities. Certificates issued by colleagues or employers can support the fact that the man's place of work and residence is separated from his actual home address. Witnesses should appear in court to testify or record video testimony.

5. Other supporting evidence:

Including the man’s hotel accommodation records, transportation tickets and other whereabouts evidence； If there is domestic violence, it is necessary to keep the report receipt and injury assessment ； Information involving extramarital affairs needs to be collected with caution, and can be obtained through legal means such as surveillance videos in public places. Private candid videos may be excluded due to illegal evidence collection methods.

It is recommended to simultaneously compile a list of common assets during the marriage, including details of real estate, vehicles, deposits, financial management and other assets.； In terms of child support, birth certificates, daily care vouchers, education and medical expense records, etc. need to be prepared. All evidence must form a complete evidence chain. It is recommended to consult a professional lawyer to evaluate the validity of the evidence to avoid invalid evidence due to improper evidence collection methods. Pay attention to backing up important information on a daily basis. It is recommended that electronic evidence be synchronized and stored in the cloud, and paper documents should be properly kept in original form.