FACT: It is impossible for an attorney to correctly advise a client as to alimony and child support without knowing both of the parties’ income.
FACT: It is impossible for an attorney to correctly advise a client as to who is going to get what assets without knowing what assets there are.
FACT: It is impossible for an attorney to correctly advise a client as to who is going to be responsible for what debts without know what the debts are.
The most important document in any divorce case in New Jersey is the Case Information Statement. It is a document that is filed with the Court which sets out the financial aspects of the case. In litigated or contested cases it is to be filed 20 days after the Answer or Appearance. It includes personal information regarding the parties and their children including their dates of birth, their addresses and for the children which parent they reside with. It also includes income information of the parties including not just earned income (from employment), but unearned income (from investments). Parties also set forth their expenses on a monthly basis, lists all of their assets and all of their debts. A properly completed Case Information Statement provides the attorneys and the Courts an accurate picture of the parties’ finances so that an equitable resolution can be reached.
