The importance of an accurate Case Information Statement

I cannot understate how important it is in a divorce, especially when there are significant marital assets and liabilities, to complete an accurate Case Information Statement, or “C.I.S.” The C.I.S. is at the heart of the case because it alerts the attorneys, the judges, the settlement panelists and economic mediators all about your economic life. We all need to know about your lifestyle expenses, income, assets, liabilities, income, life and health insurance, and other such data. Based on this, the attorneys will gain the critical understanding as to the economic picture of the family, and can also the data as a “tool” to uncover hidden assets. The C.I.S. also allows the parties to place their own estimate the value of various assets (house, car, investment real estate, etc.) or to place an expert’s estimate. Except in the most limited cases or where it would make no sense to fill one out because of the lack of assets or if the marriage was a short one, the C.I.S. is invaluable.

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