How a CPA & Divorce Financial Coach Can Help With the Case Information Statement

If you’re going through a divorce, one of the most important and stressful documents you’ll complete is the Case Information Statement (CIS).

It’s detailed. It’s financial. And for many people, it feels overwhelming.

The CIS is not just paperwork. It tells the financial story of your life. Your income, spending, assets, debts, and lifestyle all live inside this document. Judges, mediators, and attorneys rely on it to make major decisions about support, asset division, and financial outcomes.

And yet, most people are expected to complete it while navigating one of the hardest emotional seasons of their life.

This is where working with a CPA and divorce financial coach can make a meaningful difference.

Why the Case Information Statement Matters So Much

Your CIS impacts:

• Child support

• Alimony or spousal support

• Division of assets and debts

• Future financial stability

• Settlement negotiations

In short, the accuracy of this document can influence your financial future for years.

Many people underestimate their expenses, overlook assets, or feel unsure how to present their financial reality. Others feel pressure to rush through it just to “get it done.”

But the CIS is not a form to rush. It’s a strategy document.

Where People Commonly Struggle

Clients often come to me feeling unsure about:

• How to calculate true monthly expenses

• What counts as income (especially bonuses, side income, or business income)

• How to document lifestyle spending

• How to organize financial documents

• How to think about future financial needs

• What financial details attorneys actually need

Without guidance, the process can feel confusing and emotionally draining.

How a CPA & Divorce Financial Coach Helps

Think of this role as the bridge between your legal team and your real financial life.

1. Organizing Financial Documents

We gather and organize the documents needed to support your CIS, such as:

• Pay stubs and tax returns

• Bank and credit card statements

• Retirement accounts and investments

• Mortgage and loan information

• Business income and bookkeeping records

Instead of scrambling for paperwork, you have a clear roadmap.

2. Calculating Realistic Monthly Expenses

This is one of the most critical parts of the CIS.

Many people underestimate what it truly costs to run their household. Others forget irregular or seasonal expenses.

Together, we analyze:

• Fixed expenses (housing, insurance, childcare)

• Variable expenses (groceries, gas, activities)

• Irregular expenses (holidays, vacations, home repairs)

• Future anticipated costs

The goal is a realistic and defensible monthly budget that reflects your actual lifestyle.

3. Income Clarity and Strategy

Income isn’t always straightforward, especially if you:

• Own a business

• Receive bonuses or commissions

• Have fluctuating income

• Are reentering the workforce

A CPA can help present income clearly and accurately, which is essential for support calculations and negotiations.

4. Reducing Overwhelm During an Emotional Time

Divorce is both emotional and financial.

Having a financial professional on your team allows you to:

• Feel more prepared in meetings with your attorney

• Ask financial questions in a safe, supportive space

• Gain confidence in your numbers

• Make decisions with clarity instead of fear

You don’t have to figure it all out alone.

5. Preparing for Life After Divorce

The CIS is not only about the present. It’s about the future you’re building.

This process becomes an opportunity to:

• Understand your finances deeply

• Build financial literacy

• Create new systems and routines

• Plan your next chapter intentionally

You Deserve Support Through This Process

Completing a Case Information Statement can feel intimidating, but with the right guidance, it becomes a powerful tool for rebuilding and moving forward.

You don’t need to have all the answers.

You just need the right support and a plan.

If you’re navigating divorce and need help organizing your financial picture, I’m here to help. Reach out to learn how we can work together.