Each Denville alimony attorney at our firm considers the Case Information Statement to be the one of the most important documents required in any New Jersey divorce. This document is required by the courts, which use its financial details to form the basis for decisions that profoundly affect the futures of both parties.
Attention to Detail is Essential When Completing Case Information Statements
One of the most challenging aspects of negotiating divorce settlements involves providing accurate financial assessments for both parties. In spite of its complexity, many individuals find the Case Information Statement to be extremely helpful in facilitating this process by presenting a clear and detailed list of all considerations required to achieve accurate accountings. In addition to requiring basic information about the divorce case and the involved parties, the form requests the following types of information:
- Earned and unearned income: Gross earned income is the starting point for this section of the form, but it also looks at income that was earned but not yet received, along with taxes and other factors that reduce the initial income figures.
- Monthly expenses: This section goes into a great deal of detail to accurately determine a party’s expenses, beginning with rent or mortgage payments, and extending into every conceivable home-related expenses before looking into transportation costs. It is equally detailed when it comes to personal expenses, which include food, medical-related needs, clothing, education costs and even vacation and hobby expenses.
- Assets and liabilities: Every holding of value must be listed in this section, including real property, bank accounts, vehicles, investments, retirement accounts and even loans that have not yet been collected (known as receivables). These figures are offset by all liabilities, such as mortgages and other long-term and short-term debts.
- Statement of special problems: This narrative section provides a place for parties to state any special issues that affect their valuations, which can be anything from complex valuation problems as might be the case for a closely-held business to special medical problems of family members.
Of course, filling in the blanks is only part of the process. Respondents must back up their responses with extensive documentation to support their claims.
Even Accurate Statements Can Be Affected by Judicial Perceptions
When completing their Case Information Statements, both parties are required to certify their responses. In fact, if they intentionally falsify their statements, they can face perjury charges. Considering the level of detail required, however, the courts are likely to be more forgiving when unintentional inaccuracies are found on the form.
Just as important, both parties need to understand that every set of financial circumstances is unique. Some documents may be fully accurate, while displaying a level of financial need that raises credibility issues in the eyes of a judge.
At Riordan Family Law, we are fully dedicated to providing detailed documentation that helps the courts recognize our clients’ full alimony needs. Call us or use our convenient online contact form to obtain the benefits of our skills and resources.