Filing a Statement of Net Worth in a New York divorce can feel overwhelming, but believe it or not, the lessons you learned in kindergarten can actually help! Here’s how:  

 1. Be Honest – No Fibbing!  

    Just like in kindergarten, honesty is key. If you try to hide assets or lie about income, it could come back to haunt you in court.  

 2. Show Your Work  

    Remember when your teacher asked you to show how you got your answer in math? The same applies here—document everything (pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements).  

 3. Sharing is Caring (But Only When Required!)  

    You may have to split assets fairly, but that doesn’t mean giving up more than you should. Know what’s marital property and what’s separate property before agreeing to anything.  

 4. Neatness Counts  

    A sloppy, incomplete, or disorganized Statement of Net Worth Divorce New York can slow down your case. Fill out each section carefully and double-check your numbers!  

 5. Use Your Words Clearly  

    Just like learning to express yourself in kindergarten, make sure your financial details are clear and accurate so the court and your spouse understand them.  

 6. Ask for Help When You Need It  

    If you don’t understand something, don’t be afraid to ask a lawyer or financial expert—just like you’d ask the teacher for help.  

 7. Play Fair  

    If you try to inflate expenses or undervalue assets, the court may see through it, and you could lose credibility. Be truthful and reasonable.  

 8. Practice Makes Perfect  

    If your first attempt is messy, revise it! Your Statement of Net Worth is a key document, so take time to get it right.  

 9. Numbers Matter  

    Kindergarten math taught you that 1+1=2, and the court will check that your financial numbers add up too! Make sure your income, expenses, and debts are correctly calculated.  

 10. Keep Your Hands to Yourself (No Sneaky Moves!)  

    Hiding money, transferring assets, or making suspicious financial moves before divorce can get you in legal trouble. Play by the rules!  

 11. Follow the Rules, Even If You Don’t Like Them  

    Just like following classroom rules, you need to fill out every required section of the form—even the ones you don’t like!  

 12. You Can’t Take What’s Not Yours  

    Just because you managed household finances doesn’t mean you own everything. New York’s equitable distribution law determines how assets are divided.  

 13. Lunch Money Matters—Track Every Penny!  

    Just like you had to keep track of your lunch money, track all income and expenses—even small ones, like coffee or subscriptions, that add up over time.  

 14. Don’t Copy Someone Else’s Work  

    Your financial situation is unique, so don’t just copy a friend’s Statement of Net Worth. Tailor it to your actual numbers.  

 15. It’s Okay to Make Mistakes—Just Fix Them Quickly  

    If you notice an error after submitting your form, correct it ASAP before it affects your case.  

 16. Use Your Inside Voice (Be Professional, Not Emotional)  

    The Statement of Net Worth is a financial document, not a place to air grievances. Keep emotions out and focus on the numbers.  

 17. Recess (or Relaxation) is Important  

    Preliminary Conference Divorce New York is stressful, but take breaks when needed. A clear mind will help you complete the form accurately.  

 18. Story Time Helps—Tell Your Financial Story Clearly  

    The court wants to understand your financial life. Make sure your expenses and income match your lifestyle and needs.  

 19. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work  

    If you have an attorney, financial advisor, or mediator, work together to make sure your Statement of Net Worth is accurate and strong.  

 20. The Golden Rule Still Applies  

    Treat the process with honesty and fairness, just as you’d want your spouse to do.