A Matrimonial Case Information Statement (CIS), which is also called the Family Part Information Statement, must be filed within 20 days after the Defendant has answered the Complaint. Both spouses must file the CIS, and failure to do so may result in a default against the Defendant. The CIS states each party's assets and liabilities, property owned by the spouses, spousal income and important financial issues. It may be updated and amended up to 20 days before the final hearing on the divorce.

The Plaintiff files the Verified Complaint for Divorce, which starts the divorce. The Complaint, which must be certified, states the grounds for the action and the relief desired.

Filed by the Plaintiff, the Certification of Insurance Coverage states the insurance policies covering the parties of the marriage at the time of the divorce.

This two-side form describes the type of case before the court, and stipulates one of five possible tracks (courses and estimated duration) for the action.

A Summons, which is normally served by a Sheriff's officer in the county in which the Defendant resides, gives the Defendant 35 days to file an Answer, or he or she faces a default judgment against him or her, wherein the Plaintiff is given the relief sought.

The Defendant who wishes to contest the allegations made in a Complaint files an Answer, wherein he stipulates his agreement or disagreement, point by point, with the Plaintiff's contentions. Filing an Answer is often a preliminary to a contested divorce.

When he or she agrees, a Defendant, who does not wish to contest a case, files an Appearance in the court.

When a couple reach an agreement about all the terms and conditions of their divorce -- the division of the marital estate, child custody and visitation, child and spousal support -- the consensus is memorized in the Property Settlement Agreement, and is incorporated by reference into the Final Judgment of Divorce, which is also prepared by the Plaintiff.

This form is used to certify that the Plaintiff forwarded all appropriate paperwork to the Defendent.