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Divorce Information and Worksheet

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Divorce Information and Worksheet

Instructions: This worksheet is designed to be used by persons contemplating a divorce. It may also be used by your attorney. Completing this form before your initial interview with your attorney may save you valuable time and money.

Part 1 - Definitions – Terms and Explanations

Definitions – Terms and Explanations

1. Complaint The pleading used to commence a divorce action that is filed with the court clerk, usually in the county of residence of the parties.

2. Petition Same as complaint. Some States use the term Petition instead of complaint.

3. Plaintiff / Petitioner The person who files the complaint. May be called Petitioner if a Petition is used instead of a complaint.

4. Defendant / respondent The person who the complaint is filed against.

5. Co-Plaintiffs When both parties sign the complaint in a divorce action it is called a Joint Complaint or Joint Petition.

6. Summons This is a document signed by the Court Clerk and served on the defendant.

7. Cover Sheet Some states require a cover sheet to be filed with the complaint, petition or joint complaint.

8. Information Sheet Same as Cover Sheet.

9. Waiver of Process In cases where the defendant does not desire to file an answer, or where the defendant agrees to the divorce, the defendant will file a waiver of process.

10. Entry of Appearance Often the defendant will include an entry of appearance with the waiver of process.

11. Court Clerk Courts have clerks who handle the court papers, hearings and other matters.

12. Waiting Period Some states have a waiting period from the time of filing the complaint before the matter may be heard or a final judgment entered.

13. Final Judgment The form which concludes the divorce is called a final judgment.

14. Dissolution Some states use the term dissolution of marriage instead of divorce.

15. Declaration Same as Complaint or Petition.

16. Military Affidavit States that the defendant is not in active military service.

17. UCJA Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act.

18. Joint Custody Some states allow joint custody in certain cases where both parents are entitled to care for and obtain information about the children.

19. Physical Custody The parent that will have physical custody of the children.

20. Legal Custody Both parents have joint legal custody and are equally entitled to make decisions regarding the children.

21. Custodial Parent Same as parent with physical custody.

22. Non-Custodial Parent Parent that does not have physical custody.

23. Child Support Amount of money usually paid to the custodial parent for the maintenance and support of the children.

24. Child Support Factors Factors used to determine child support amount.

25. Child Support Guidelines All states now have child support guidelines to assist the Court and parties.

26. Visitation Right of the non-custodial parent to visit with the children.

27. Settlement Agreement Agreement between husband and wife settling all property, child support, custody, and other issues.

28. Residency Requirement The length of time one or both parties reside in the State before a divorce action may be filed.

29. No-Fault Uncontested agreed divorce.

30. Contested Divorce where one party does not consent to the divorce.

31. Jurisdiction The basis for the Court to hear a case.

32. Venue The proper county in which to file the divorce.

33. Cooling Off Period Required time interval between the date of filing and entry of divorce.

34. Financial Statement Statement of parties’ assets, liabilities, and net worth.

35. Filing Fee A fee that is paid at the time of filing of the complaint.

36. Child Support Worksheet Worksheet used to evaluate child support to comply with child support guidelines.

37. Uncontested Agreed divorce or divorce where defendant does not appear.

38. Separate Property Property not considered marital property.

39. Marital Property Property acquired during the marriage.

40. Equitable Distribution Division of marital property between husband and wife.

41. Joint Property Property owned by husband and wife equally.

42. Answer Pleading filed to respond to a divorce complaint.

43. Discovery Fact-finding process that takes place after the divorce complaint has been filed.

44. Interrogatories Written discovery questions from one party to another.

45. Deposition Oral questions from one party to another.

46. Request for Admissions Written questions in the form of asking a party to admit truth.

47. Fault Grounds Basis for divorce, such as adultery.

48. No-Fault Grounds Basis for divorce where there is no need to prove actual fault.

49. Irreconcilable Differences A typical no-fault ground for divorce.

50. Irretrievably Broken Same as irreconcilable differences.

51. Deadlines Time within which action must be taken, such as filing an answer.

52. Hearing Presenting testimony before the judge.

53. Pleading Documents such as the complaint, answer, etc.

54. Joint Complaint Complaint filed by both husband and wife.

55. Alimony / spousal support / maintenance Monetary award for the support of dependant spouse.

Part 2. - Your Personal Information

Personal Information
Your Name:
U.S. Citizen
Yes
No
Address:
Date of Birth:
Social Security Number:
City:
State:
Zip:

Where do you presently live, if different than address above?

How long have you lived at your present address?

How long did you live at former address, if applicable?

Birth State and County

Have you ever lived in a community property state? Yes No

If yes, what state?

Do you have a known future residence address? Yes No

If yes, list address:

Education level

Describe your physical condition and any health problems you may have.

Describe any emotional problems you may have.

Employment

Where are you employed?

Position

Address
City
State
Zip
Phone
Fax

How long employed at present employer?

Previous employer:
Position:
Address
City
State
Zip
Education
Educational Level
Degrees

Part 3. - Spouse Personal Information

Personal Information – Spouse
Spouse Name:
U.S. Citizen
Yes
No
Address:
Date of Birth:
Social Security Number:
City:
State:
Zip:

Where does spouse presently live, if different than address above?

How long has spouse lived at present address?

How long did spouse live at former address, if applicable?

Birth State and County

Has spouse lived in a community property state? Yes No

If yes, what state?

Does spouse have a known future residence address? Yes No

If yes, list address:

Education level of spouse.

Describe spouse’s physical condition and any health problems he/she may have.

Describe any emotional problems spouse may have.

Spouse Employment

Where is spouse employed?

Position

Address
City
State
Zip
Phone
Fax

Part 4. - Marriage

Marriage

Place of Marriage

Have you ever been separated from your spouse before? Yes No

If yes, please provide dates and details of separation.

Are you now separated from your spouse? Yes No

If yes, provide details of separation.

What was date of separation?

Part 5. - Children

Children
Name
Date of Birth

In what city and state were the children born?

Has there ever been any prior litigation regarding the custody of the children? Yes No

If yes, please explain:

Where do the children reside now? Husband Wife How long?

Are there any special issues or circumstances to be considered regarding the children? Yes No

If yes, please explain:

Do the parents agree to terms of custody/visitation? Yes No

If yes, please select:
Sole custody to Wife with reasonable visitation to Husband
Sole custody to Husband with reasonable visitation to Wife
Joint custody to Husband and Wife
Other -

What is address where children presently reside?

Is wife pregnant? Yes No

If yes, what is due date?

Do the children have any special medical needs? Yes No

If yes, please explain:

Children’s Doctor

Address
City
State
Zip

Do the children require any special educational needs? Yes No

If yes, provide details.

Please provide day care address and how often the children are kept in day care, if applicable.

Please provide the name and address of any third party who routinely keeps or cares for the children.

Third Party Name:

Address
City
State
Zip

Has there ever been any claim, allegation, investigation or litigation regarding child neglect or abuse? Yes No

If yes, please explain:

Part 6. - Prior Marriages

Your Prior Marriages
Name
Date of Marriage
Date of Divorce
County/State of Divorce

Children from prior marriages?

Do you pay support? Yes No If yes, what amount and how paid?

Do you pay alimony? Yes No If yes, what amount and how paid?

Your Spouse Prior Marriages
Name
Date of Marriage
Date of Divorce
County/State of Divorce

Children from prior marriages?

Does spouse pay support? Yes No If yes, what amount and how paid?

Does spouse pay alimony? Yes No If yes, what amount and how paid?

Part 7. Income

Income of Husband (Monthly)
Monthly
Yearly

Salary

Dividends

Rental Income

Notes Receivable

Bonuses

Business

Commissions

Other

Total Income

Deductions from Income

Gross Pay

Less Social Security

Less Federal Withholdings

Less State Withholdings

Other Deductions

Net Pay

Income of Wife

Salary

Dividends

Rental Income

Notes Receivable

Business

Bonuses

Commissions

Other

Enter text✕

What the Divorce Information and Worksheet Is

Divorce Information and Worksheet defines: It's a standardized intake form used to collect financial, personal, and case-specific data needed for preparing a divorce petition, settlement proposals, or related court filings. It typically asks for names, dates, marriage details, assets, debts, income, expenses, child custody preferences, support calculations, and proposed orders. Counsel, mediators, or pro se filers use it to ensure all material facts and exhibits are assembled before negotiations or filing. Completed worksheets support accurate pleadings, reduce discovery gaps, and create a clear checklist for settlement offers and court hearings.

Why a Structured Worksheet Matters

A Divorce Information and Worksheet organizes critical facts, reduces omissions in pleadings, and speeds preparation of financial disclosures and child-related schedules. It helps attorneys and self-represented parties identify negotiation issues early and provides a documented baseline for support, division, and custody calculations.

Why a Structured Worksheet Matters

Who Typically Completes This Worksheet

Typical users include family law attorneys, mediators, financial neutrals, and individuals preparing court filings or settlement proposals.

  • Family law attorneys assembling disclosures, valuations, and custody proposals for pleadings and negotiations.
  • Mediators and divorce coaches use it to frame settlement options and allocate assets.
  • Self-represented filers rely on it to compile court-ready financial schedules and supporting exhibits.

Agencies, child support services, or financial experts may request the completed worksheet during evaluations or as part of discovery.

Essential Sections Found in a Professional Worksheet

Core sections help standardize intake: party details, marriage history, assets and debts, income and expenses, children and custody, and proposed settlement terms for clear case preparation.

Party Information

List full legal names, dates of birth, contact details, social security numbers if required, and current addresses for each spouse; accuracy prevents identity mismatches in court filings and financial verifications.

Marriage Details

Record marriage date, places of cohabitation, separation date, prenuptial or postnuptial agreements, and prior marriages; these facts affect property division, pension traces, and length-based support formulas.

Assets and Debts

Provide account types, institution names, account numbers (last four digits), ownership shares, approximate balances, retirement plan valuations, mortgages, and outstanding loans for equitable division analysis.

Income & Expenses

Report current gross and net income, bonuses, overtime, business income, recent pay stubs, tax returns, monthly living expenses, childcare, healthcare, and extraordinary costs to calculate support.

Children & Custody

List children’s names, DOBs, current residence, parenting time preferences, school and medical details, and any special needs or court orders affecting custody or support.

Proposed Terms

Summarize desired division, parenting plan, spousal support proposal, debt allocation, and timelines for compliance, including proposed dates for signing and filing any settlement documents.

Required Personal and Case Data

Full Legal Name: Exactly as on government ID
Date of Birth: Enter date as MM/DD/YYYY
Social Security Number: Provide last four digits
Residential Address: Street, city, state, ZIP code
Income Records: Recent paystubs and tax returns
Bank Account Details: List institutions and balances

Step-by-Step: Completing the Worksheet

Follow this sequence to complete the Divorce Information and Worksheet accurately, collect supporting documents, verify all entries, and obtain signatures or notarization as required by local rules.

  • 01
    Gather Documents: Collect IDs, paystubs, tax returns, and account statements
  • 02
    Complete Sections: Answer each field fully; avoid abbreviations
  • 03
    Verify Numbers: Reconcile balances and income with supporting records
  • 04
    Sign and Notarize: All parties sign in presence of required witnesses or notary

Customizing the Online Worksheet Workflow

Configure an online version to streamline collection, add conditional logic, and require identity verification where court rules demand stronger authentication.

Field Configuration
Authentication Method Email link, SMS code, or KBA
Required Attachments Upload paystubs, tax returns, account statements
Conditional Sections Show asset sections when ownership indicated
Signature Options Allow electronic or in-person signing; notarization flag

Typical Routing and Submission Flow

Typical routing for the completed worksheet shows the path from intake to review, verification, negotiation, and final filing with the court or settlement execution.

  • Upload: Submit completed PDF or online form to case file
  • Review: Attorney or neutral reviews entries for accuracy
  • Verify: Compare statements with supporting documents and account proofs
  • File: File originals with court or attach to settlement package

Digital Signing and eSubmission Considerations

Digital signatures and eSubmission can be used where permitted; select a platform that supports audit trails, secure storage, and required authentication.

  • Supported Formats: PDF, DOCX, and fillable forms
  • Integrations: Link to case management and cloud storage
  • Security: AES-256 at rest; TLS 1.2/1.3

Timing and Typical Deadlines to Track

Common timing considerations include statutory waiting periods, local court filing hours, financial disclosure deadlines, and mediation timelines set by case management orders.

Initial Disclosure Deadline:

Typically within 30 to 60 days of case opening

Mediation Deadline:

Court may set mediation within 90 days

Temporary Orders Hearing:

Hearing scheduled usually within weeks of filing

Final Hearing Window:

State law sets waiting periods; varies by state

Support Calculation Date:

Use income as of date of separation or court set date

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Leaving fields blank or entering approximate balances causes delays and may require court-ordered supplemental disclosures that extend case timelines.
  • Submitting unsigned pages, missing initials, or altering dates can render a worksheet inadmissible and prompt repeated filings or sanctions.
  • Failing to attach verification documents like bank statements, appraisal reports, or tax transcripts weakens the evidentiary value of claimed assets.
  • Providing inconsistent numbers across forms (worksheet, financial affidavit, tax return) increases risk of disputes and credibility challenges at trial.

Penalties and Risks from Incorrect Information

Court Rejection: Incomplete forms may be rejected
Perjury Risk: False statements carry criminal penalties
Support Miscalculation: Leads to arrears or liens
Missing Deadlines: Delays or loss of relief
Tax Consequences: Incorrect reporting triggers penalties
Privacy Exposure: Unprotected data risks HIPAA issues

Baseline eSignature Pricing and Compliance Comparison

Compare baseline pricing and basic capabilities for common eSignature vendors to evaluate cost and compliance options relevant to divorce document workflows.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial No No Limited trial Limited trial
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions address eSigning validity, notarization, common errors, state differences, and how to supply supporting documents for court review.


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