Divorce often requires both spouses to put their financial lives on paper. In New Jersey, this process often includes a financial disclosure document called the Case Information Statement, or CIS. This form helps the court understand each party’s income, expenses, assets and debts before making decisions about support, property division and other disputed issues.
When you may need to file a CIS
New Jersey Court Rule 5:5-2 generally requires each party to file and serve a CIS in contested family cases, except summary actions, when custody, support, alimony or equitable distribution is at issue.
If the form is required in your case, it generally must be filed within 20 days after the filing of an Answer or Appearance. Failing to file it may affect your pleadings and slow down the case.
What details go into the statement
The CIS asks for a detailed view of your finances. You may need to gather records such as:
- Recent tax returns, W-2 forms and pay stubs
- Monthly expenses, including housing, food, utilities and transportation
- Child-related costs, such as health care, child care and school expenses
- Assets, including real estate, bank accounts, vehicles and retirement accounts
- Debts, including credit cards, loans, mortgages and other liabilities
These records help show the financial history of the marriage and what your current financial situation looks like. Although it asks for sensitive details, the statement and its attachments are confidential under New Jersey court rules.
Why careful financial disclosure matters
Judges may rely on this statement when reviewing support, alimony, property division and other money-related issues. Because you certify the information in the form, each entry should be complete and accurate based on the documents available to you.
The CIS also requires you to certify that you disclosed all assets, liabilities and income, and that willfully false information may subject you to punishment. Omissions or inaccurate entries can also hurt your credibility and may lead to court consequences, including sanctions in appropriate cases.
If your finances change during the case, you may need to update your CIS. This can include changes in income, expenses, employment, debt or major assets.
Preparation can bring more clarity
A CIS can feel overwhelming because it asks for detailed information at an already stressful time. Organizing your records early can make the form easier to complete and help the divorce process move forward with clearer, more reliable financial information.
