Abstract:
A program and database with interactive forms operating on a personal computer or workstation to allow a user to capture, store, retrieve, and report on all legally required information defining an individual person&#39;s net worth, for official use in civil legal proceedings. The user sees logically-related sequence of requests for input, while navigating conveniently to specific points in the sequence. Non-relevant forms are suppressed. Partial completion of inputs and resumption of input requests is done at the user&#39;s convenience. Valid and consistent relationships are established and maintained among data elements stored. The primary output is a statement of net worth which meets all New York State requirements for content and presentation.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/572,255 filed May 18, 2004. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     This invention relates to the acquisition, storage and retrieval of legal data, and more specifically to the acquisition, storage and retrieval of personal net worth information for use in legal proceedings.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Legal proceedings such as civil divorce actions require the accurate capture, reliable retention, and correct use of numerous and varied elements of information. In a civil divorce action, the capture, retention, and application processes for both plaintiff and defendant are necessarily time-consuming. When the time required is coupled with the high cost of the legal services needed to support these processes, the results can create considerable expense for the client or clients requiring them.  
         [0004]     The overall breakdown of data elements to be selected, gathered, and evaluated for a Statement of Net Worth in the state of New York is approximately as follows (using the 1998 paper forms):  
         [0005]     Family data: 19 separate categories of data—numeric, dollar amounts, text, checkboxes, and lists;  
         [0006]     Expenses: 15 separate categories of data—dollar amounts, numeric, text, and lists;  
         [0007]     Gross Income: 19 separate categories of data—dollar amounts, numeric, text, and lists;  
         [0008]     Assets: 12 major categories of data, each divided into subcategories totaling 29 across all 12 categories, and each subcategory further divided into 2-10 identifying elements—dollar amounts, numeric, text, and dates;  
         [0009]     Liabilities: 8 major categories of data, each divided into subcategories totaling 15 across all 8 categories, and each subcategory further divided into 3-8 identifying elements—dollar amounts, numeric, text, and dates;  
         [0010]     Assets Transferred: a list of 4 entries, with 4 elements per entry (all lists may be extended as required);  
         [0011]     Support Requirements: 4 categories of data with 1-5 elements per category;  
         [0012]     Counsel Fee Requirements: 3 categories of data with 1-3 elements per category;  
         [0013]     Account and Appraisal Fees Requirements: 4 categories of data with 1-2 elements per category;  
         [0014]     Other Data: free-form text.  
         [0015]     The total number of categories is about 90, encompassing hundreds of individual data elements. Complicating matters further, many categories may require extension to include items exceeding the space, line count, or entry count available for them on the paper form. Finally, many categories require arithmetic consistency among data elements, particularly in summing dollar amounts. Such volume and complexity of data present frequent chances for error, especially when a data element must be transcribed to or from a place on the paper form.  
         [0016]     Some attempts have been made to develop and apply automated forms. Due to their limitations in the acceptable handling of all required data, these attempts have had only restricted use. Consequently, the completion of the statement of net worth continues to present a costly obstruction and delay in civil divorce actions. A convenient, accurate, straightforward, and rapid automation of the completion process for the statement of net worth would serve both law offices and their clients well.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0017]     The invention incorporates computer database software and storage with interactive forms on a personal computer or workstation to allow a user to capture, store, retrieve, and report on all legally required information defining an individual person&#39;s net worth, for official use in civil legal proceedings. The invention presents the user with a logically-related sequence of requests for input, while allowing the user to navigate conveniently to specific points in the sequence. The invention conditionally suppresses the presentation of all non-relevant forms and requests based on user inputs. The invention provides for partial completion of inputs and resumption of input requests at the user&#39;s convenience. The invention establishes and maintains valid and consistent relationships among data elements it stores. The invention produces as its primary output a statement of net worth which meets all New York State requirements for content and presentation. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0018]      FIG. 1  shows a diagrammatic overview of the invention.  
         [0019]      FIG. 2  shows the invention&#39;s toolbar and overall screen.  
         [0020]      FIG. 3  shows the invention&#39;s navigation bar on the overall screen.  
         [0021]      FIG. 4  shows the invention&#39;s display of its print options menu.  
         [0022]      FIG. 5  shows the invention&#39;s display of its owned marital residence information screen.  
         [0023]      FIG. 6  shows the invention&#39;s display of its drop-down menu for the source of funds for a cash account asset.  
         [0024]      FIG. 7  shows the program flow for the updating of information in a specific category.  
         [0025]      FIG. 8  shows the program flow for deleting an occurrence of a category of information having multiple occurrences.  
         [0026]      FIG. 9  shows the program flow for the invention&#39;s navigation bar.  
         [0027]      FIG. 10  shows the opening program flow for either establishing a new client or retrieving an existing client&#39;s information.  
         [0028]      FIGS. 11 and 12  show an example of program flow for multiple occurrences of a set of data elements, this example for children in common.  
         [0029]      FIG. 13  shows the program flow for a typical selection menu, this example for either party (plaintiff or defendant).  
         [0030]      FIG. 14  shows the program flow for the general information identifying a party.  
         [0031]      FIG. 15  shows the program flow for validating a user&#39;s choice of rental or owned marital residence.  
         [0032]      FIG. 16  shows the overall program flow for requesting and validating information concerning an owned marital residence.  
         [0033]      FIG. 17  shows the program flow for requesting and validating cash down payment information concerning an owned marital residence.  
         [0034]      FIG. 18  shows the program flow for requesting and validating client job pay stub overview information.  
         [0035]      FIG. 19  shows the program flow for requesting and validating client job pay stub detailed information.  
         [0036]      FIG. 20  shows the program flow for requesting and validating client job pay stub year-to-date information.  
         [0037]      FIG. 21  shows the program flow for requesting and validating client job W-2 information.  
         [0038]      FIG. 22  shows the program flow for requesting and validating client sole proprietorship information.  
         [0039]      FIG. 23 . 1  shows the program flow for requesting and validating client unemployment payment information.  
         [0040]      FIG. 23 . 2  shows the program flow for requesting and validating client other income information.  
         [0041]      FIG. 23 . 3  shows the program flow for requesting and validating client dividend income information.  
         [0042]      FIG. 24  shows the program flow for requesting and validating occurrences of asset cash account checking account information.  
         [0043]      FIG. 25  shows the program flow for requesting and validating the number of occurrences of asset vehicle information.  
         [0044]      FIG. 26  shows the program flow for requesting and validating each occurrence of asset vehicle information, including liens.  
         [0045]      FIG. 27  shows the program flow for requesting and validating occurrences of asset real estate information.  
         [0046]      FIG. 28  shows the program flow for requesting and validating information on asset real estate mortgages and equity lines of credit.  
         [0047]      FIG. 29  shows the program flow for requesting and validating housing expense information, noting the accumulation of total housing expense. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0048]     The structure of the invention is as shown in  FIG. 1 . The invention comprises a client database  2  stored in a workstation or personal computer  3  having a processor  4 , a main memory  5 , a data storage subsystem  6 , a display device such as a screen  7 , and input devices such as a keyboard  8  and a mouse  9 . The invention also comprises a set of menus displayable on the display device for user selection of categories of net worth information to be entered or retrieved, and a set of interlinked screens displayable on the computer for user entry, change, or retrieval of net worth information. The invention further comprises a program operating in the personal computer  3  for displaying menus and screens to a user, for validating net worth information entered by a user, for storing and retrieving net worth information in the client database  2 , and for informing the user of consistency and completeness criteria to be met by the net worth information entered.  
         [0049]     The user operates the program using a text entry device such as a keyboard  8  for entering data and a pointing device such as a mouse  9  for selecting items displayed on the screen.  
         [0000]     The Invention&#39;s Database  
         [0050]     The invention uses a relational database management program to manage the entry, storage, retrieval, updating, removal, and reporting of information for each client. The invention uses a set of relational tables maintained through the relational database management program to contain an organized form of client information for each client.  
         [0051]     The invention&#39;s database provides for the independent storage and retrieval of net worth information for a large number of clients. The net worth information storable in the database encompasses all types of net worth information required by the New York State legal system.  
         [0000]     The Invention&#39;s User Interface  
         [0052]     See  FIG. 2 . The invention&#39;s interface for the user comprises a single screen  10  with a toolbar  20  and a display area  30 . The toolbar contains icons for commonly-used operations: an icon  20   a  for creating a new client&#39;s database component, an icon  20   b  for opening an existing client&#39;s database component, an icon  20   c  for saving the current client&#39;s information, an icon  20   d  for cutting data from a value in a data element&#39;s display, an icon  20   e  for copying data from a value in a data element&#39;s display, an icon  20   f  for pasting data into a data element&#39;s display, an icon  20   g  for clearing the value from a data element&#39;s display, an icon  20   h  for checking the validity of one or more data values, an icon  20   i  for displaying a navigation menu, an icon  20   j  for printing one or more sections of the Statement of Net Worth report, and an icon  20   k  for previewing one or more sections of the Statement of Net Worth report to be printed.  
         [0053]     See  FIG. 4  for the Print Options selection display  70 . The invention allows the user to preview and print selectively one, several, or all sections of the Statement of Net Worth report, using checkboxes  71  through  77  for section selection, and checkbox  78  for page break selection.  
         [0054]     The invention uses the display area  30  to present selection menus to the user, to present client information to the user in an organized form, to accept user input of client information, and to notify the user of possible problems or errors in the entry of client information.  
         [0055]     The invention&#39;s menus include first a client file menu listing the clients for whom net worth data is being gathered and prepared. Before any other action can be taken, the user of the invention must select a client or else enter a new client name. If an existing client name is specified, the invention uses the portion of its database reserved solely for the data of the specified client. If a new client name is entered, the invention allocates a new client portion of its database reserved solely for the data of the new client.  
         [0056]     See  FIG. 3 . The invention incorporates a selectable navigation menu  40  to allow a user to address a specific category of interest in a particular case. The navigation menu may be selected by a mouse click on a specific icon on the invention&#39;s toolbar  20 . The navigation menu, called a Quick Link menu, lists the client&#39;s name, followed by the different categories of client data: case, children in common to the couple, plaintiff, defendant, housing, income and benefits, assets, liabilities, expenses, and other information.  
         [0057]     A typical data entry screen  101  of the invention is shown in  FIG. 5  for the entry of information concerning an owned marital residence. The invention uses a drop-down menu  103  to let the user specify properly the name(s) on the title of the marital residence. For cash down payment query  107  and mortgage query  109 , the invention uses radio buttons to trigger the display of screens for each of those two categories of data if specified by the user.  
         [0000]     Overall Category Breakdown of Client Data  
         [0058]     The invention breaks down each of the categories of client data into major subcategories, minor subcategories, and data elements grouped on screens as needed.  
         [0059]     The case information category has no subcategories, and comprises a series of screens for determining whether the client is the plaintiff or defendant, for entering the case reference information, and for entering the marriage information for the couple involved.  
         [0060]     The child information category has no subcategories, and comprises a series of screens for recording the number of children, the identity and status of each child, custody order information, and support information.  
         [0061]     The plaintiff information category comprises multiple major subcategories: personal information, address, education, employment, and other children. The defendant information category comprises multiple major subcategories; the major subcategories are the same as for the plaintiff. Each subcategory comprises a series of screens for recording the information needed in that subcategory. To select a major subcategory, the user selects the title of that category.  
         [0062]     The housing information category has no subcategories, and comprises a series of screens, for recording whether the marital residence is rented or owned, and for recording the rental arrangements if rented. If the marital residence is owned, the invention&#39;s screens provide for recording the value of the marital residence, the sources of its financing, its taxes and insurance costs, and any liens outstanding against it.  
         [0063]     The income and benefits information category has no subcategories, and comprises a series of screens for recording wage and other income information using the client&#39;s W-2 forms, paystubs, and all other sources.  
         [0064]     The asset information category comprises a long list of major subcategories. Asset major subcategories comprise the following: cash accounts; securities; loans to others and accounts receivable from others; business ownership and value; life insurance; vehicles; real estate; retirement assets; contingent interests; household furnishings; jewelry, art, antiques, precious objects, gold and precious metals; and other, including tax shelter investments, collections, judgments, causes of action, patents, trademarks, copyrights, and other assets not covered by the preceding major subcategories. Each subcategory not having minor subcategories comprises a series of screens for recording the information needed in that subcategory.  
         [0065]     The cash accounts major subcategory is divided into minor subcategories as follows: cash, checking accounts, savings accounts, real estate, and other. The securities major subcategory is divided into minor subcategories as follows: bonds, notes, and bills; stocks, options, and commodity contracts; broker margin accounts; and other. Each minor subcategory comprises a series of screens for recording the information needed in that minor subcategory.  
         [0066]     For asset information, major and minor subcategories are displayed on a single menu with minor subcategories indented under their parent major subcategories. The user selects a subcategory by selecting its title on the screen.  
         [0067]     The liabilities information category comprises a list of subcategories. Liabilities major subcategories comprise the following: accounts payable, notes payable, installment accounts payable, brokers&#39; margin accounts, mortgages payable on real estate, taxes payable, loans on life insurance policies, and other liabilities.  
         [0068]     The expenses information category comprises a list of subcategories. Expenses subcategories comprise the following: housing, utilities, food, clothing, laundry, insurance, unreimbursed medical, household maintenance, domestic labor, automotive, educational, recreational, miscellaneous, and other expenses. Each subcategory comprises a series of screens for recording the information needed in that subcategory.  
         [0069]     The other information category comprises a series of screens for recording support requirements, counsel fee requirements, accountant and appraisal fee requirements, and other relevant financial information not covered elsewhere.  
         [0000]     Use and Entry of Items of Information  
         [0070]     To acquire, review, correct, and update specific items of information, the invention incorporates screen forms presented to the user for each information category. The invention simplifies and speeds the accurate entry and use of information items in at least the following nine ways.  
         [0071]     1. First, the invention presents its screens to the user so that the easiest path of navigation leads through only a minimum number of screens. This approach optimizes the entry, review, and modification of data items in the most common types of cases.  
         [0000]     2. Second, the invention presents interrelated items on a single screen for the user, presenting them on multiple screens only when there are too many such items or the items are not closely related.  
         [0000]     3. Third, the invention presents only those screen forms required for a specific case. If certain conditions requiring additional information are not met, the screens for the additional information are not presented to the user at all.  
         [0072]     4. Fourth, the invention uses the user&#39;s count of a particular item&#39;s occurrences to present exactly the number of screens needed to obtain or review all required information. Examples include the number of children, the number of residences, the number of checking accounts, and the number of vehicles.  
         [0000]     5. Fifth, the invention provides the Quick Links menu to allow a user to skip directly to a category of interest.  
         [0000]     6. Sixth, the invention uses drop-down menus of standard phrasings and choices used in the production of a legal Statement of Net Worth, eliminating the need for the user to type in such standard phrasings and choices by hand.  
         [0000]     7. Seventh, the invention tracks and subtotals values in all categories and subcategories of worth, accumulating the values in all categories into a summary statement of total assets, total liabilities, and net worth.  
         [0000]     8. Eighth, the invention validates text and numeric values entered by the user in cases where commonsense rules or observations on consistency would ordinarily be applied by someone not using the invention.  
         [0000]     9. Ninth, the invention uses information gathered in one category to simplify the gathering of information in another category, thereby eliminating cases where the same information would be separately required for posting in different categories.  
         [0000]     Minimum Screens Required in Simple Cases (Point 1)  
         [0073]     The invention presents screens to the user so that the easiest path of navigation leads through only a minimum number of screens (Point 1). The invention allows the user to pass through all the key categories of information simply and quickly by clicking on (selecting) the Continue button on each screen, and filling in the minimum necessary information. In the simplest cases, the information to be filled in includes only the following screens: client name; client information (plaintiff/defendant); case information; marriage information; children number query; plaintiff information (with screens for residence, education, skills, employment status, other children); defendant information (with screens for residence, education, skills, employment status, other children); marital residence (with screens for rental information or home ownership depending on the response to the ‘rent or own’ question); government assistance benefits; other income; income of other household members; assets (with screens for each subcategory of assets); liabilities (with screens for each subcategory of liabilities); expenses (with screens for each subcategory of expenses); support requirements; counsel fee requirements; and accountant and appraisal fee requirements. With the exceptions of the client, plaintiff, and defendant names and sexes, no initial entry is required on any of these screens.  
         [0000]     Presenting Related Items on the Same Screen (Point 2)  
         [0074]     The invention presents interrelated items on a single screen for the user. The invention consistently presents closely-related information items on the same screen on screens in the Expenses category such as Utilities, Food, Clothing, Laundry, Household Maintenance, Domestic Labor, or Educational. To avoid confusion, the invention places an approximate ceiling on the number of items to be displayed on the same screen, as in the case of government assistance benefits, which require two screens for a full list of categories.  
         [0000]     Suppression of Unnecessary Displays (Point 3)  
         [0075]     The invention presents only those screen forms required for a specific case. The invention consistently suppresses display of screens for which no information is needed from a particular client. For example, a user entering data for a client having no children in common with the other party will not be presented with the screens requesting child information and custody information. This feature of the invention is applied to its implementation in the following areas.  
         [0076]     In the plaintiff and defendant education categories, screen queries for degrees are only presented when degrees are checked.  
         [0077]     In the plaintiff and defendant employment status categories, screen queries for employment, self-employment, unemployment, retirement, and disability information are only presented when the appropriate employment status subcategory is checked.  
         [0078]     In the plaintiff and defendant other children categories, screen queries for child information and child support information are only presented when at least one child is listed, and at least one support order is listed.  
         [0079]     In the marital residence category for an owned residence, screen queries for details of the mortgage cash down payment are only presented when a cash down payment was entered. Other mortgage details such as taxes, insurance, and liens are likewise bypassed if no mortgage exists.  
         [0080]     In the marital residence category for a rented residence, screen queries for details of the security deposit and renter&#39;s insurance are only presented when a security deposit and/or insurance entry is marked.  
         [0081]     In the income and benefits category, screen queries for pay stub details are only presented when readiness for supplying such information is marked.  
         [0082]     In the income and benefits category, screen queries for a specific other source of income is only presented when that specific other source of income is checked. In the same category, screen queries for income from other household members are only presented when one or more such household members are noted.  
         [0083]     In the assets category, screen queries for details on a particular type of asset are only presented when at least one of that particular type of asset is noted as present. The user indicates the presence of one or more checking accounts by marking a check box and entering the number of accounts where requested. In the absence of such an entry, the screen requesting checking account details is bypassed. If one or more checking accounts is marked as present, the screen requesting checking account details is presented.  
         [0084]     The treatment provided in the example for checking accounts applies to all asset categories: cash accounts, including cash, checking accounts, savings accounts, real estate accounts, other cash accounts; securities, including bonds, notes and bills, stocks, options, and commodity contracts, broker and margin accounts, and other securities; loans and accounts receivable; business ownership and value; life insurance; vehicles; real estate; retirement assets; contingent interests; household furnishings; jewelry, art, antiques, precious objects, and gold and precious metals; and other assets.  
         [0085]     In the liabilities category, screen queries for details on a particular type of liability are only presented when at least one of that particular type of liability is noted as present. The user indicates the presence of one or more accounts payable by marking a check box and entering the number of accounts where requested. In the absence of such an entry, the screen requesting accounts payable details is bypassed. If one or more accounts payable is marked as present, the screen requesting accounts payable details is presented.  
         [0086]     The treatment provided in the example for accounts payable applies to all liability categories: accounts payable, notes payable, installment accounts payable, brokers&#39; margin accounts payable, mortgages payable, taxes payable, loans on life insurance payable, and other liabilities.  
         [0087]     In the expenses category, screen queries for details on house and vehicle expenses are presented as many times as houses and vehicles are listed as assets.  
         [0088]     When the user selects the ‘Back’ button in a series of screens for which some inputs do not exist, the program ‘hunts’ backward until it finds a category of data for which the user has specified that input is required. The effect is to treat a single ‘Back’ selection as a series of ‘Back’ selections until required input is found. Required input is any category for which the user has indicated that one or more items exist.  
         [0000]     Occurrence Counting (Point 4)  
         [0089]     The invention uses the user&#39;s count of a particular item&#39;s occurrences to present exactly the number of screens needed to obtain or review all required information. Examples include the number of children in common, plaintiff&#39;s other children, defendant&#39;s other children, and most subcategories under liabilities and assets. Examples under liabilities and assets include the number of installnent accounts payable, the number of checking accounts, and the number of vehicle assets.  
         [0090]     In cases such as the number of pieces of real estate declared as assets, the invention applies the entered number of pieces of real estate declared when presenting other subcategories in other categories, thereby reducing the likelihood of omissions of declaration in the other subcategories. In the case of the number of pieces of real estate declared as assets, the invention presents one screen for housing expenses for each piece of real estate declared as an asset.  
         [0091]     The invention provides a “Delete Record” button on screens where multiple item occurrences are available. The user may delete a displayed record by selecting the “Delete Record” button. The invention deletes the displayed record, reduces the number of occurrences of the same type of record by one, and displays the next record of the same type (or the previous record of the same type, if no next such record is present). If no record of the same type is present, the invention displays the next screen in the normal sequence of presentation.  
         [0000]     Quick Links (Point 5)  
         [0092]     The invention uses the Quick Links menu to allow a user to skip directly to a category of interest. When the user selects the quick link icon, the invention displays a menu of categories at one side of the screen, leaving the current category screen visible in the center.  
         [0000]     Standard Legal Language Presentation (Point 6)  
         [0093]     The invention uses drop-down menus of standard phrasings and choices to be used for specific items of information. The invention&#39;s standard phrasings and choices reflect the most common legal usages for the items for which they are to be entered. The list of items for which such menu selections are provided includes:  
         [0094]     County name for the case  
         [0095]     Marital status  
         [0096]     State and country  
         [0097]     Custody Order—available choices include the following texts:  
         [0098]     “The Husband is the sole custodian.” 
         [0099]     “The Wife is the sole custodian.” 
         [0100]     “The Husband and Wife have joint custody, and the Husband is the primary residential parent.” 
         [0101]     “The Husband and Wife have joint custody, and the Wife is the primary residential parent.” 
         [0102]     “The Husband and Wife have shared custody.” 
         [0103]     “The children are split between the Husband and Wife.” 
         [0104]     “Other.”—space provided for explanation  
         [0105]     Reason for selecting a figure for fair market value of a residence—available choices include the following texts:  
         [0106]     “Written Appraisal” 
         [0107]     “Current Listing Agreement” 
         [0108]     “Estimate by Husband” 
         [0109]     “Estimate by Wife” 
         [0110]     “Tax Assessed Value” 
         [0111]     “Other” 
         [0112]      FIG. 6  shows source of funds for a cash or other account  201 —available choices include the following texts:  
         [0113]     “Wages” 
         [0114]     “Transfer from another account” 
         [0115]     “Money/asset owned prior to marriage” 
         [0116]     “Inheritance” 
         [0117]     “Gift from a party other than spouse” 
         [0118]     “Compensation for personal injuries” 
         [0119]     “Other” 
         [0120]     Type of account for a savings account—available choices include the following texts:  
         [0121]     “Individual” 
         [0122]     “Joint” 
         [0123]     “Totten trust” 
         [0124]     “Certificate of deposit” 
         [0125]     “Treasury notes” 
         [0126]     “Other” 
         [0127]     Type of deposit for a real estate account—available choices include the following texts:  
         [0128]     “Security deposit” 
         [0129]     “Earnest money” 
         [0130]     “Other” 
         [0131]     Type of business for a value of interest in a business—available choices include the following texts:  
         [0132]     “DBA” 
         [0133]     “Independent Contractor” 
         [0134]     “Sole Proprietorship” 
         [0135]     “Partnership” 
         [0136]     “C-Corporation” 
         [0137]     “S-Corporation” 
         [0138]     “Other” 
         [0139]     Method of valuation for a value of interest in a business—available choices include the following texts:  
         [0140]     “Book Value” 
         [0141]     “Adjusted Book Value” 
         [0142]     “Income Capitalization” 
         [0143]     “Discounted Earnings” 
         [0144]     “Discounted Cash Flow” 
         [0145]     “Price Earnings Multiple” 
         [0146]     “Dividend Capitalization” 
         [0147]     “Sales Multiple” 
         [0148]     “Profit Multiple” 
         [0149]     “Liquidation Value” 
         [0150]     “Replacement Value” 
         [0151]     “True Value” 
         [0152]     “Other” 
         [0153]     Type of policy for a cash surrender value of insurance—available choices include the following texts:  
         [0154]     “Term life” 
         [0155]     “Convertible Term life” 
         [0156]     “Universal life” 
         [0157]     “Whole life” 
         [0158]     “Single Premium Policy” 
         [0159]     “Second to Die” 
         [0160]     “Variable life” 
         [0161]     “Annuity” 
         [0162]     “Other” 
         [0163]     Type of trust for a retirement asset—available choices include the following texts:  
         [0164]     “401k”, “403b”, “408k”, “457 plan”, “Individual Retirement Account (IRA)”, “Roth IRA”, “Keogh plan”, “Self-Employed Pension(SEP)”, “Pension Plan”, “Registered Retirement Savings Plan”, “Savings Incentive Match Plan (SIMPLE)”, “Single Premium Deferred Annuity”, “Top hat plan”, “Variable Annuity”, “Other” 
         [0165]     Reason for payment for support requirements—available choices include the following texts:  
         [0166]     “Voluntarily” 
         [0167]     “Pursuant to court order or judgment” 
         [0168]     “Pursuant to separation agreement” 
         [0000]     Calculation of Net Worth (Point 7)  
         [0169]     The invention tracks and subtotals all dollar values entered in all categories and subcategories of worth, accumulating the values in all categories into a summary statement of total assets, total liabilities, and net worth. A change to a dollar value in any subcategory yields an immediate change in the resulting totals.  
         [0000]     Validation of Data Values (Point 8)  
         [0170]     The invention compares newly-entered information to the information already entered in certain areas, and queries the user to verify the input if the newly-entered information appears inconsistent with what has already been entered.  
         [0171]     A primary example of this type of comparison is the invention&#39;s validation of recent income against the previous year&#39;s W-2 value for income—if there is a difference between the two values exceeding five percent, the invention asks the user for verification of the income values.  
         [0172]     A second example of validation occurs during the attempted reduction of a count value for a number of entities in a client&#39;s database, such as the count of children. If a client has reported three children, and then the user of the invention tries to change the number of children from three to two, the invention prompts the user to select the particular child to be deleted.  
         [0000]     Simplification of Input Process (Point 9)  
         [0173]     The invention simplifies the user&#39;s task of entering and checking data by reapplying retained information rather than by requesting a second input of the information.  
         [0174]     An example of the invention&#39;s retention and reapplication of data appears in the retention of self-employment information for the plaintiff and the defendant. At the stage when self-employment information is to be gathered, he invention prompts the user for the number of each of the following categories of self-employment information: the numbers of sole proprietorships, partnerships, independent contractorships, subchapter S corporations, subchapter C corporations, and miscellaneous businesses. After prompting for the number in each of the categories of self-employment information, the invention prompts for the business name, the date of establishment, and the business address for each category of self-employment information.  
         [0175]     The invention reuses the self-employment information when it prompts the user to enter income information. When the invention prompts the user to enter income information, it presents to the user exactly the number of screens in each category that were specified by the user in the entry of self-employment information. The user at the stage of entering income information may only change the number of each entries in a given category by returning to the employment information screens and making the changes before proceeding. When the user makes such changes, the invention accordingly changes the number of screens presented for the entry of income information for each self-employment category.  
         [0000]     Program Flow and Operation  
         [0176]     The invention&#39;s program is driven by the choices of the user from those the program presents via its menus and button selections on the screen. The invention&#39;s program&#39;s displays are defined in terms of the related information to be presented on a single screen. Consequently the program&#39;s components correspond to specific screens of information and specific database components. Since a user may select any screen to follow any other screen, an overall flow of operation for the invention&#39;s program is therefore not an appropriate way to present the program&#39;s workings intelligibly. Even so, the flowchart is a natural and intuitive mode of presentation for most readers.  
         [0177]     Given these considerations, the description of the program&#39;s flow of operation is here broken down into components which operate within the scope of a given screen display. Where a component&#39;s processing is representative of the processing done for multiple components, only a single component is presented here.  
         [0178]     In general, the passing of program operation from screen to screen is based not on a strict flow, but on the presence or absence of data in each category. For example, if a party is unemployed, the program will display the nearest relevant category in line, not a category for which no data entry is required. This is a feature of the invention.  
         [0179]     The user wishing to follow a simple path to gather and process all required data values will select the ‘Continue’ button on all screens. The resulting order of presentation of combinations of data elements is listed below in the section titled The Invention&#39;s Sequence of Presentation and Complete Data Groupings. The sections immediately following this one describe unique program operation and flow characteristics of selected sections of the program.  
         [0180]     Two flowcharts are included for commonly-used processes. The first, shown in  FIG. 7 , is called Category Info Update, and comprises a series of steps for displaying a screen with form entry spaces filled in with current information from the client database, soliciting information for the category if needed, accepting the user&#39;s input, and recording the user&#39;s input in the database.  
         [0181]     The second, shown in  FIG. 8 , is called Record Deletion, and comprises a series of steps for deleting a database record of a specified type and record ID, decrementing the count of records of the same type if such a count exists, renumbering any successor records if any exist, displaying the successor record if it exists, displaying any predecessor record if no successor exists, and displaying the next screen in the normal sequence if no predecessor record exists.  
         [0182]     Uses of both of these processes are shown in the flowcharts for other processes identified below.  
         [0000]     The Program&#39;s Navigation Bar  
         [0183]     The program&#39;s navigation bar usage is shown in  FIG. 9 . When the user clicks on the navigation bar icon as shown in  FIG. 2 , the invention displays the navigation bar on the screen as in  FIG. 3 . The user then selects an entry on the navigation bar, and the program displays the initial screen associated with the selected entry. In some displays, such as the Assets, Liabilities, or Expenses selections, the invention presents the user with a menu of choices within the selected section. In the remaining displays, the invention presents the user with the first of the series of information screens in the selected section.  
         [0184]     When the program is first started, the program displays a welcome screen and requests user input to determine which case is to be entered or processed. The flow of processing is shown in  FIG. 10 . When the user creates a new case, the invention constructs a new section of its database to contain the new client&#39;s information. When the user selects an existing case, the invention accesses the section of its database reserved for the selected existing case.  
         [0000]     Program Flow and Operation for Plaintiff and Defendant Information  
         [0185]     When operating on information which is identical for both parties, the program uses the same displays and responses for both plaintiff and defendant information, but processes plaintiff information first when operated in its normal sequence by continuing from the processing of child information. See  FIG. 14 . When information on children in common has been processed and the user selects the ‘Continue’ button, the program begins the processing of plaintiff information directly, by prompting the user for general information on the plaintiff.  
         [0186]     When the user selects the invention&#39;s navigation bar ( FIG. 9 ) and then selects either “Plaintiff” or “Defendant” from the navigation bar, the program begins the processing of information for the party selected from the navigation bar. The specific data elements available to be presented and processed are the same for both parties.  
         [0000]     Program Flow and Operation for Marital Residence Information  
         [0187]     The marital residence may be either owned or rented. The invention&#39;s program provides a check when the user attempts to change the status of residence from rented to owned or from owned to rented. See  FIG. 15 . If the user attempts to change the marital residence status in a case from rented to owned, or from owned to rented, the program warns the user with a displayed message and asks for confirmation of the overriding change. If the user confirms the change, the program deletes the earlier information in the overridden status, and begins prompting the user for information in the overriding status.  
         [0188]     For the Statement of Net Worth, the information required for an owned marital residence is exceptionally detailed. The invention&#39;s program begins gathering owned-home information by presenting the user with a query asking whether the user is ready to answer queries requiring the use of the closing statement on the marital residence, the appraisal on the marital residence, the marital residence mortgage statement, and the marital residence real property tax bills. If the user selects the ‘Continue’ button, the program prompts for basic marital residence information ( FIG. 16 ), and then compares the sum of the cash down payment and the mortgage amount against the purchase price. If the comparison fails, the program asks the user for confirmation to continue.  
         [0189]     If the user indicates a cash down payment, the program prompts for required details in four categories. See  FIG. 17 . The cash down payment may originate from a cash account, from the equity from sale of other property, from a gift from a third party, or from an inheritance from a third party. Each category requires the entry of values for a different set of data elements.  
         [0190]     If the user indicates a mortgage, the program prompts for required mortgage information on three screens: one for basic mortgage information, one for tax payments included in the mortgage payment, and one for insurance payments included in the mortgage payment.  
         [0191]     If the marital residence is rented, the invention&#39;s program presents a simple series of screens to the user for gathering rental, insurance, and security information.  
         [0000]     Program Flow and Operation for Client Income and Benefits  
         [0192]     The invention&#39;s program requests information on all sources of client income and benefits, beginning with the client&#39;s jobs. See  FIG. 18 . The client may be either the plaintiff or the defendant in the case. For each job as counted earlier in the appropriate party&#39;s employment information, the program requests client pay stub information ( FIG. 19 ), client pay stub year-to-date information ( FIG. 20 ), and client W-2 information ( FIG. 21 ). If both pay stub and W-2 information are supplied, the program compares the income reported from the pay stub with the information reported on the W-2, and if the difference of income between current year and prior year exceeds five percent, asks the user to confirm the entries.  
         [0193]     Using the appropriate party&#39;s self-employment information entered earlier, the program prompts for client income from sources of self-employment: sole proprietorships, partnerships, contractorships, subchapter-S corporations, subchapter-C corporations, and miscellaneous businesses.  FIG. 22  shows the program flow for the sole proprietorship for client income. The program flow for other sources differ only in the data elements presented and processed.  
         [0194]     Using the appropriate party&#39;s self-employment information entered earlier, the program prompts for client income from unemployment, retirement, or disability income sources.  FIG. 23 . 1  shows the program flow for unemployment payment entry. The program flow for other sources differ only in the data elements presented and processed.  
         [0195]     For the client&#39;s other income sources, see  FIGS. 23 . 2  and  23 . 3 . First the program requests the number of occurrences of each type of other income source ( FIG. 23 . 2 ), and then prompts the user for input for each occurrence of each of five types of other income source: dividends received, interest income, rents received, royalties received, and farm incomes received.  FIG. 23 . 3  shows the processing flow for the dividends received type of other income. The other types are handled similarly, with differences only in the data elements displayed and requested.  
         [0196]     The processing for the client&#39;s other income sources are an example of the processing for all multiple-occurrence types of information.  
         [0000]     Program Flow and Operation for Multiple-Occurrence Types of Information  
         [0197]     When operating on information in categories where a variable number of occurrences or instances of the information may exist, the invention&#39;s program first solicits from the user a count of occurrences, and then stores the provided count of occurrences to define the number of times it requests information in that category. See  FIGS. 11 and 12  for an example. If a couple has children in common, the invention asks first for the number of children. On continuing, if the user then continues by selecting the Continue button [xxx] on the screen, the program displays a form for entering identity and health information for one child. When information for one child is entered and the user selects the Continue button [xxx] on the screen, the program stores the information for the one child in a record in its client database, and again displays the form for entering identity and health information, for the next child. When the user has entered information for all children as specified in the count of occurrences earlier, the user&#39;s selection of the Continue button causes the program to display a screen for custody information for the children in common.  
         [0198]     The user may use the Back button [xxx] on the display to display the identity and health information screen for a previous child. The user may also use the Delete Child button [xxx] on the display to delete a child record from the database. When a Delete operation is requested, the program asks the user to verify that it is to be done.  
         [0199]     The program flow in  FIGS. 11 and 12  is the same as for other multiple-occurrence types of information. Such multiple-occurrence processing is performed for the following categories of information:  
         [0200]     Children in common  
         [0201]     Overall education for either party  
         [0202]     Jobs for either party  
         [0203]     Self-employment situations for either party  
         [0204]     Children in common with someone other than the party&#39;s spouse  
         [0205]     Support orders for children with other parents for the party  
         [0206]     Liens on the marital residence apart from the usual mortgage  
         [0207]     Client&#39;s other income sources  
         [0208]     Assets  
         [0209]     Liabilities  
         [0210]     Expenses for real estate  
         [0211]     In all of the above-listed categories of information, the user may also use the Delete button provided on the display to delete an occurrence&#39;s record from the database. When a Delete operation is requested, the program asks the user to verify that it is to be done.  
         [0212]     For overall education for either party, the program requests the number of each type of diploma or degree, and then prompts the user for input for each occurrence of each type of diploma or degree.  
         [0213]     For jobs for either party, the program requests the number of jobs, and then prompts the user for input for each job.  
         [0214]     For self-employment situations for either party, the program requests the number of each type of self-employment situation, and then prompts the user for input for each occurrence of each type of self-employment situation. The processing patterns for a sole proprietorship, a partnership, a contractorship, a subchapter-S corporation, a subchapter-C corporation, and a miscellaneous business are the same, although the data elements presented and entered are different. The program retains the number of each type of self-employment situation for later use in prompting for incomes.  
         [0215]     For children in common with someone other than the party&#39;s spouse, the program requests the number of children the party has in common with someone other than the spouse, and then prompts the user for input for each occurrence of such children.  
         [0216]     For support orders for children with other parents for the party, the program requests the number of other parents, and then prompts the user for the child support information related to each parent occurrence.  
         [0217]     For liens on the marital residence apart from the usual mortgage, the program requests the number of occurrences of each type of lien, and then prompts the user for input for each occurrence of each of four types of lien: second mortgages, home equity credit lines, mechanic&#39;s liens, and other liens. All lien types are handled similarly, with differences only in the data elements displayed and requested.  
         [0218]     For the client&#39;s other income sources, the program requests the number of occurrences of each type of other income source, and then prompts the user for input for each of five type of other income source: dividends received, interest income received, rents received, royalties received, and farm income received. All other income sources are handled similarly, with differences only in the data elements displayed and requested.  
         [0219]     For assets, see  FIG. 24  for a typical example. As described for other multiple-occurrence types of information, the program requests the number of occurrences of each type of asset, and then prompts the user for input for each occurrence of each type of asset. The same processing is performed for each type of liability, for each occurrence.  
         [0220]     Two types of asset have additional processing performed. For asset vehicles, see  FIGS. 25 and 26 . The program requests the number of asset vehicles. If there are none, the selection of the ‘Back’ button takes the user to the screen for life insurance assets, and the selection of the ‘Continue’ button takes the user to the screen for real estate assets. If there are asset vehicles, the program prompts the user for input for each vehicle, including any liens on the vehicle.  
         [0221]     For real estate assets, see  FIGS. 27 and 28 . The program requests the number of real estate assets. If any real estate assets exist, the program then prompts the user for input for each real estate asset, including mortgages and home equity lines of credit if they exist.  
         [0222]     For housing expenses, see  FIG. 29 . The program applies the user&#39;s input of the number of real estate assets as the number of pieces of real estate for which expenses must be entered, and then prompts the user for expense input for each occurrence.  
         [0223]     Note that the invention&#39;s program maintains running totals of all dollar values in each category to be reported.  
         [0000]     Program Flow and Operation for Other Information Categories  
         [0224]     In general, and wherever not noted above, the program processes assets, liabilities, expenses, and other information simply by presenting a screen for the user to enter values for data elements and to indicate whether to advance to the next screen using the ‘Continue’ button or move back to the previous screen using the ‘Back’ button.  
         [0000]     The Invention&#39;s Sequence of Presentation and Complete Data Groupings  
         [0225]     The invention stores, maintains, retrieves and reports on all instances of data elements required for the New York State&#39;s Statement of Net Worth. The invention sequences its acquisition of said instances as listed below in this section. When using the invention, the user advances through the list in this section by selecting the ‘Continue’ button on the screen. This list&#39;s sequence is the natural flow of the program&#39;s operation as followed by a typical user.  
         [0226]     Since this list includes mention of every category of information and all data elements in each category, it is long. The information categories in this section are:  
         [0227]     Case Information  
         [0228]     Child Information  
         [0229]     Plaintiff Information and Defendant Information (listed under Party Information, since both are identical)  
         [0230]     Housing information  
         [0231]     Income and Benefits Information  
         [0232]     Assets, Liabilities  
         [0233]     Expenses  
         [0234]     Other Information  
         [0000]     Case Information  
         [0235]     The invention&#39;s case information comprises the following data elements. Case information serves to identify all remaining data elements for the case in the invention&#39;s database.  
         [0236]     Client identity information: 
        Client name        
 
         [0238]     Client status information: 
        plaintiff or defendant        
 
         [0240]     Case information: 
        County     Index Number     Date of Commencement of Divorce Action        
 
         [0244]     Marriage information: 
        Date married     Marriage status     Date separated or divorced 
 
 Child Information 
       
 
         [0248]     The invention&#39;s child information comprises the following data elements. Child information serves to identify all children shared by the couple, together with all support and custody information concerning those children.  
         [0249]     Children Number Information: 
        Number of children        
 
         [0251]     For each child: Child information: 
        First, middle, last names     Date of birth     SSN     State of health     Primary residence        
 
         [0257]     Custody information: 
        Basic custody order        
 
         [0259]     Support information: 
        Payor     Basic support amount     Payment frequency     Medical insurance     Dental insurance     Uninsured medical expenses     Day care     Education costs     Amount due 
 
 Party Information 
       
 
         [0269]     Party information data elements are the same for the plaintiff and the defendant. Party information serves to identify each party and record each party&#39;s education, skills, jobs, other income sources, disabilities, other children, and support and custody requirements for other children. The invention provides a menu for rapid access to specific components of information for each party. The invention&#39;s information for each party comprises the following data elements.  
         [0270]     Party Identity: 
        Plaintiff or Defendant        
 
         [0272]     Party general information: 
        First, middle, last names     Gender     Date of birth     SSN     Current health        
 
         [0278]     Party address information: 
        Street     City     State     Zip code     Country        
 
         [0284]     Party education information (checklist and counts): 
        No. of high school diplomas     No. of associate&#39;s degrees     No. of undergraduate degrees     No. of graduate degrees     No. of doctorate degrees     For each diploma or degree: Degree/diploma information: 
            Name of school     Type of degree     Graduation year    
               
 
         [0294]     Party skills information: 
        Explanation        
 
         [0296]     Party employment status information (checklist): 
        Employed     Self-employed     Unemployed     Retired     Disabled        
 
         [0302]     Party Jobs 
        Number of Jobs     For each job: Job information: 
            Date of hire     Work title     Company name     Company address    
               
 
         [0309]     Party self-employment information: 
        No. of sole proprietorships     No. of partnerships     No. of independent contractorships     No. of S-corporations     No. of C-corporations     No. of miscellaneous businesses     For each sole proprietorship: Sole proprietorship information: 
            Business name     Date of legal establishment     Business address    
            For each partnership: Partnership information: 
            Business name     Date of legal establishment     Business address    
            For each contractorship: Contractorship information: 
            Business name     Date of legal establishment     Business address    
            For each S-corporation: S-corporation information: 
            Business name     Date of legal establishment     Business address    
            For each C-corporation: C-corporation information: 
            Business name     Date of legal establishment     Business address    
            For each miscellaneous business: Miscellaneous business information: 
            Business name     Date of legal establishment     Business address    
               
 
         [0340]     Party most recent employer information: 
        Date of most recent employment     Most recent employer     Company address     Work title     Most recent earnings     Pay period        
 
         [0347]     Party unemployment benefits information: 
        Date of most recent employment     Most recent employer     Company address     Work title     Most recent earnings     Pay period        
 
         [0354]     Party retirement information: 
        Date of most recent employment     Most recent employer     Company address     Work title     Highest annual earnings        
 
         [0360]     Party disability information: 
        Nature of disability        
 
         [0362]     Party other children information: 
        No. of other children     For each other child: Other child information: 
            Child full name     Date of birth     SSN     Other parent&#39;s name     Child primary residence    
               
 
         [0370]     Party support orders information: 
        No. of other parents     For each other child support order: Other child support information: 
            Payor     Other parent name     Basic support     Payment period     Medical insurance expenses     Dental insurance expenses     Uninsured medical expenses     Day care     Education costs     Payment status     Arrears amount due 
 
 Housing 
   
               
 
         [0384]     Housing information serves to identify the marital residence, whether it is rented or owned, all rental terms if rented, and all closing, appraisal, mortgage, and tax information if owned. The invention&#39;s housing information comprises the following data elements.  
         [0385]     Marital Residence: 
        Rented or Owned        
 
         [0387]     Marital residence rental info: 
        Rental address     Description of residence     Monthly rental charge     Written lease signed?    Date lease signed        
 
         [0393]     Marital residence rental security deposit info: 
        Security deposit amount     Source     Date deposit given        
 
         [0397]     Marital residence tenant insurance info: 
        Insurance amount     Payment period        
 
         [0400]     Marital Residence Ownership Queries: 
        Ready or Not        
 
         [0402]     Marital residence info: 
        Address     Names on title     Current occupants     Date of purchase     Fair market value     Reason for choice of fair market value     Purchase price     Cash down payment     Mortgage amount     Mortgage paid?       
 
         [0413]     Cash account info: 
        Title of account     Financial institution     Withdrawal amount     Withdrawal date        
 
         [0418]     Other property equity info: 
        Address of property     Title on deed of property     Date of purchase of property     Date of sale of property     Sale price of property     Gross proceeds of sale of property        
 
         [0425]     3rd party gift info: 
        Name of gift giver     Portion of gift put toward mortgage     Name of person receiving gift     Relationship between gift giver and recipient        
 
         [0430]     3rd party inheritance info: 
        Name of inheritance giver     Portion of inheritance put toward mortgage     Name of person receiving inheritance     Relationship between inheritance giver and recipient        
 
         [0435]     Mortgage information: 
        Name on mortgage     Name of mortgagee     Address of mortgagee     Mortgage loan number     Date mortgage executed     Length of mortgage     Mortgage principal outstanding     Current monthly mortgage payment        
 
         [0444]     Real property tax information (checklist and values): 
        County name, tax amount, frequency of payment     Town name, tax amount, frequency of payment     City name, tax amount, frequency of payment     School name, tax amount, frequency of payment        
 
         [0449]     Homeowner&#39;s insurance information: 
        Amount of payment     Frequency of payment        
 
         [0452]     Overall other lien information (checklist and counts): 
        No. of second mortgages     No. of home equity credit lines     No. of mechanic&#39;s liens     No. of other liens     For each second mortgage: Second mortgage information: 
            Mortgagor(s)     Mortgagee     Mortgagee address     Mortgage loan number     Date mortgage executed     Duration of mortgage     Mortgage principal outstanding     Monthly mortgage payment    
            For each home equity line of credit: Home equity line of credit information: 
            Name on line of credit     Creditor     Creditor address     Loan number     Date home equity line of credit executed     Home equity line amount outstanding     Current monthly payment     Use of funds from line of credit    
            For each mechanic&#39;s lien: Mechanic&#39;s lien information: 
            Contractor     Contractor address     Original lien amount     Balance due     Date lien secured     Work performed     Date work performed    
            For each other lien: Other lien information: 
            Debtor     Creditor     Mortgagee address     Date     Loan amount     Payment terms     Balance outstanding 
 
 Client Income Information 
   
               
 
         [0491]     Client income information serves to identify all sources of client income including jobs, self-employment arrangements, unemployment, disability, retirement, government assistance, investment returns, and income from other household members. The invention references relevant tax documents as sources of information for the user. The invention also uses its own earlier counts of jobs, self-employment arrangements, and investments to prompt the user. The invention&#39;s client income information comprises the following data elements.  
         [0492]     For each client job: 
        Client Pay Stub information:     Ending date of pay period     Frequency of paycheck     Client Pay Stub Income Info information: 
            Gross wages     Federal income tax withheld     New York State tax withheld     New York State disability insurance tax     Local tax withheld     Social Security tax withheld     Medicare tax withheld    
            Client Pay Stub YTD information: 
            Bonus     Award     Prize     Commissions    
            Client W-2 information: 
            Box 1: Wages, tips, other comp     Box 5: Medicare wages and tip income     Retirement contributions    
               
 
         [0513]     For each client sole proprietorship: Client Schedule C information (sole proprietorship): 
        Gross receipts or sales     Returns and allowances     Cost of goods sold     Total expenses     Expenses for business use of your home        
 
         [0519]     For each client partnership: Client Form 1065 information (partnership): 
        Gross receipts or sales     Returns or allowances     Cost of goods sold     Total deductions        
 
         [0524]     For each client contractorship: Client independent contractorship information: 
        Gross receipts or sales     Returns or allowances     Cost of goods sold     Total deductions        
 
         [0529]     For each client S-corporation: Client Form 1120S information (S-corp): 
        Gross receipts or sales     Returns or allowances     Cost of goods sold     Total deductions        
 
         [0534]     For each client C-corporation: Client Form 1120 information (C-corp): 
        Gross receipts or sales     Returns or allowances     Cost of goods sold     Total deductions        
 
         [0539]     For each client miscellaneous business: Client miscellaneous businesses information: 
        Gross receipts or sales     Returns or allowances     Cost of goods sold     Total deductions        
 
         [0544]     Client unemployment payment information: 
        NYS payment amount     NYS payment period     Other payment source     Other payment amount     Other payment period        
 
         [0550]     Client retirement payment information (checklist and values): 
        Social Security retirement benefits amount     Social Security retirement benefits payment period     Pension benefits amount     Pension benefits payment period     Retirement account distribution amount     Retirement account distribution payment period     1st other payment source     1st other payment amount     1st other payment period     2nd other payment source     2nd other payment amount     2nd other payment period        
 
         [0563]     Client disability payment information (checklist and values): 
        Social Security disability insurance amount     Social Security disability insurance payment period     Social Security disability insurance amount (spouse)     Social Security disability insurance payment period (spouse)     Social Security disability insurance amount (children)     Social Security disability insurance payment period (children)     Vets comp &amp; pension benefits amount     Vets comp &amp; pension benefits payment period     Retirement account distribution amount     Retirement account distribution payment period     NYS disability benefits amount     NYS disability benefits payment period     Worker&#39;s comp benefits amount     Worker&#39;s comp benefits payment period     1st other payment source     1st other payment amount     1st other payment period     2nd other payment source     2nd other payment amount     2nd other payment period        
 
         [0584]     Client government assistance payment information (checklist and values): 
        Food Stamp Program amount     Food Stamp Program payment period     Supplemental Nutrition Program (WIC) amount     Supplemental Nutrition Program (WIC) payment period     Supplemental Security income amount     Supplemental Security income payment period     National School Lunch Program use     School Breakfast Program use     Summer Food Service Program for Children use     Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) use     Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) use     Community Food and Nutrition Program (CFNP) use        
 
         [0597]     Client government health assistance payment information (checklist): 
        Family Health Plus use     Healthy NY use        
 
         [0600]     Client other income source information (checklist and counts): 
        No. of dividends received     No. of interest income sources     No. of rents received     No. of royalties received     No. of farm incomes received     For each client dividend received: Client dividend income Sched B &amp; 1099 information: 
            Financial institution     Business address     Amount    
            For each client interest income received: Client interest income Sched B &amp; 1099 information: 
            Financial institution     Business address     Amount    
            For each client rental income received: Client rental income Sched E information: 
            Rents received     Expenses     Depreciation    
            For each client royalty income received: Client royalty income Sched E information: 
            Royalties received     Expenses     Depreciation    
            For each farm income received: Client farm income Sched F information: 
            Gross income     Expenses    
               
 
         [0625]     Client other household member income source information (checkbox and count): 
        No. of employed household members     For each client employed household member: Other household member income information: 
            Name     Annual income 
 
 Assets 
   
               
 
         [0630]     Asset information serves to identify all assets belonging to the client, including all types of cash accounts, all types of securities, loans to others and receivables, business ownership and valuation, life insurance, vehicles, real estate, retirement assets, contingent interests, household furnishings, valuables, and other types of asset including intellectual property. The invention provides a menu for rapid access to specific components of asset information. The invention&#39;s asset information comprises the following data elements.  
         [0631]     Asset cash acct cash information (checkbox and count): 
        No. of asset cash accts cash     For each cash account: Asset cash acct cash information: 
            Location     Source of funds     Amount     Amount on date of commencement    
               
 
         [0638]     Asset cash acct checking information (checkbox and count): 
        No. of asset cash accts checking     For each checking account: Asset cash acct checking information: 
            Financial institution     Address     Account number     Title holder     Date opened     Source of opening deposit     Amount of opening deposit     Date of statement     Statement balance     Balance on date of commencement of action    
               
 
         [0651]     Asset cash acct savings information (checkbox and count): 
        No. of asset cash accts savings     For each savings cash account: Asset cash acct savings information: 
            Financial institution     Address     Account number     Title holder     Type of account     Date opened     Source of opening deposit     Amount of opening deposit     Date of statement     Statement balance     Balance on date of commencement of action    
               
 
         [0665]     Asset cash acct real estate deposit information (checkbox and count): 
        No. of asset cash accts real estate deposit     For each real estate cash account: Asset cash acct real estate deposit information: 
            Location     Address     Title owner     Type of deposit     Date of deposit     Source of deposit     Current value of deposit     Value on date of commencement of action    
               
 
         [0676]     Asset cash acct other information (checkbox and count): 
        No. of asset cash accts other     For each other cash account: Asset cash acct other information: 
            Location     Address     Account number     Title owner     Type of account     Date of deposit     Source of opening deposit     Current amount     Amount on date of commencement of action    
               
 
         [0688]     Asset securities bonds notes information (checkbox and count): 
        No. of securities bonds notes etc.     For each asset security bond, note, etc.: Asset securities bonds notes information: 
            Type of security     Description of security     Title holder     Location     Date of acquisition     Maturity date     Original price     Source of funds     Interest rate     Frequency of interest payment     Current value     Value on date of commencement of action    
               
 
         [0703]     Asset securities stocks options information (checkbox and count): 
        No. of asset securities stocks options etc.     For each asset security stock option etc.: Asset securities stocks options information: 
            Description of security     Title holder     Location     Date of acquisition     Original price     Source of funds     Current value     Value on date of commencement of action    
               
 
         [0714]     Asset securities broker margin accts information (checkbox and count): 
        No. of asset broker margin accts     For each broker margin account: Asset securities broker margin accts information: 
            Broker     Broker address     Title holder     Date account opened     Original value of account     Source of funds     Current value     Value on date of commencement of action    
               
 
         [0725]     Asset securities other information (checkbox and count): 
        No. of asset securities other     For each other asset security: Asset securities other information: 
            Broker     Broker address     Account number     Description of security     Title holder     Date account opened     Original value of account     Source of funds     Current value     Value on date of commencement of action    
               
 
         [0738]     Asset loans accts receivable information (checkbox and count): 
        No. of loans accts receivable     For each loan account receivable: Asset loans accts receivable information: 
            Debtor     Debtor address     Creditor     Original amount obligation     Duration of loan     Source of funds     Date payment due     Current amount due     Amount due on date of commencement of action    
               
 
         [0750]     Asset business ownership and value information (checkbox and count): 
        No. of business ownerships and valuations     For each business ownership and valuation: Asset business ownership and value information: 
            Name of business     Business address     Type of business     Ownership interest     Date of acquisition     Cost to acquire ownership interest     Source of funds     Value of business     Method of valuation     Date of valuation     Valuation on date of commencement of action    
               
 
         [0764]     Asset life insurance information (checkbox and count): 
        No. of life insurance policies     For each life insurance policy: Asset life insurance information: 
            Insurance company     Insurer&#39;s address     Name of insured     Policy owner     Policy number     Death benefit     Type of policy     Date of acquisition     Source of funds     Current cash surrender value     Value on date of commencement of action    
               
 
         [0778]     Asset vehicles information (checkbox and count): 
        No. of vehicles     For each vehicle: Asset vehicle information: 
            Year     Manufacturer     Model     VIN#    Title owner     Date of acquisition     Original price     Source of funds     Amount of current lien unpaid     Monthly payment     Current fair market value     Value on date of commencement of action     Asset vehicle lien information: 
                Creditor     Creditor address     Debtor(s)     Amount of original debt     Date of incurring debt     Purpose     Monthly or other periodic payment     Amount of current debt    
               
               
 
         [0802]     Asset real estate information (checkbox and count): 
        No. of pieces of real estate     For each piece of real estate: Asset real estate information: 
            Address     Title owner     Date of acquisition     Original price     Source of funds     Estimated current market value     Amount of all mortgages or liens unpaid     Value on date of commencement of action     Asset real estate mortgage information: 
                Mortgagor     Mortgagee     Property address     Mortgage loan number     Date mortgage executed     Duration of mortgage     Mortgage principal outstanding     Monthly mortgage payment    
                Asset real estate equity line of credit information: 
                Name on equity line of credit     Name of creditor     Address of mortgagor     Loan number     Date home equity line executed     Home equity line outstanding     Current monthly loan payment     Use of funds from home equity line of credit    
               
               
 
         [0831]     Asset retirement assets information (checkbox and count): 
        No. of retirement assets     For each retirement asset: Asset retirement asset information: 
            Type of trust     Financial institution     Address     Account number     Title owner     Date of acquisition     Original investment     Source of funds     Amount of unpaid liens     Gross (pre-tax) value     Value on date of commencement of action    
               
 
         [0845]     Asset contingent interests information (checkbox and count): 
        No. of contingent interests     For each asset contingent interest: Asset contingent interest information: 
            Description     Location     Date of vesting     Title owner     Date of acquisition     Original price or value     Source of funds     Method of valuation     Current value     Value on date of commencement of action    
               
 
         [0858]     Asset household furnishings information (checkbox and count): 
        No. of household furnishings     For each asset household furnishing: Asset household furnishings information: 
            Description     Location     Title owner     Original price or value     Source of funds     Amount of lien unpaid     Current value     Value on date of commencement of action    
               
 
         [0869]     Asset valuables information (checkbox and count): 
        No. of asset valuables     For each asset valuable: Asset valuables information: 
            Description     Location     Title owner     Original price or value     Source of funds     Amount of lien unpaid     Current value     Value on date of commencement of action    
               
 
         [0880]     Asset other assets information (checkbox and count): 
        No. of other assets     For each other asset: Asset other asset information: 
            Description     Location     Title owner     Original price or value     Source of funds     Amount of lien unpaid     Current value     Value on date of commencement of action 
 
 Liabilities 
   
               
 
         [0891]     Liability information serves to identify all liabilities belonging to the client, including accounts, notes, and installment accounts payable, brokers&#39; margin accounts, mortgages payable, taxes payable, loans on life insurance policies, and other types of liability. The invention provides a menu for rapid access to specific components of liability information. The invention&#39;s liability information comprises the following data elements.  
         [0892]     Liability accts payable information (checkbox and count): 
        No. of liability accts payable     For each liability account payable: Liability accts payable information: 
            Creditor     Creditor address     Debtor     Account number     Amount of original debt     Date of incurring debt     Purpose     Date of statement     Monthly or other periodic payment     Amount of current debt     Amount on date of commencement of action    
               
 
         [0906]     Liability notes payable information (checkbox and count): 
        No. of liability notes payable     For each liability note payable: Notes payable information: 
            Creditor     Creditor address     Debtor     Amount of original debt     Date of incurring debt     Purpose     Date of statement     Monthly or other periodic payment     Amount of current debt     Amount on date of commencement of action    
               
 
         [0919]     Liability installment accts payable information (checkbox and count): 
        No. of liability installment accts payable     For each liability installment account payable: Installment accts payable information: 
            Creditor     Creditor address     Debtor     Amount of original debt     Date of incurring debt     Purpose     Date of statement     Monthly or other periodic payment     Amount of current debt     Amount on date of commencement of action    
               
 
         [0932]     Brokers&#39; margin accts payable information (checkbox and count): 
        No. of brokers&#39; margin accts payable     For each brokers&#39; margin account payable: Brokers&#39; margin accts payable information: 
            Broker     Broker address     Amount of original debt     Date of incurring debt     Purpose     Date of statement     Monthly or other periodic payment     Current debt     Amount on date of commencement of action    
               
 
         [0944]     Mortgages payable information (checkbox and count): 
        No. of mortgages payable     For each mortgage payable: Mortgages payable information: 
            Mortgagee     Mortgagee address     Property address     Mortgagor     Original debt     Date of incurring debt     Monthly or other periodic payment     Maturity date     Amount of current debt     Amount on date of commencement of action    
               
 
         [0957]     Taxes payable information (checkbox and count): 
        No. of Taxes payable     For each tax payable: Taxes payable information: 
            Description of tax     Amount of tax     Date due     Amount on date of commencement of action    
               
 
         [0964]     Life insurance loans payable information (checkbox and count): 
        No. of life insurance loans payable     For each life insurance loan payable: Life insurance loans payable information: 
            Insurer     Insurer address     Amount of loan     Date of incurring debt     Purpose     Name of borrower     Date of statement     Monthly or other periodic payment     Amount of current debt     Amount on date of commencement of action    
               
 
         [0977]     Other liabilities information (checkbox and count): 
        No. of Other liabilities     For each other liability: Other liability information: 
            Creditor     Creditor address     Debtor     Amount of original debt     Date of incurring debt     Purpose     Date of statement     Monthly or other periodic payment     Amount of current debt     Amount on date of commencement of action 
 
 Expenses 
   
               
 
         [0990]     Expense information serves to identify all expenses in the case, including real estate, utilities, food, clothing, laundry, insurance, unreimbursed medical, household maintenance, domestic labor, automotive, educational, recreational, miscellaneous, and other types of expense. The invention uses its own earlier count of real estate assets to prompt the user. The invention provides a menu for rapid access to specific components of expense information. The invention&#39;s expense information comprises the following data elements.  
         [0991]     For each piece of real estate: Housing expenses information: 
        Rent payment amount     Rental payment period     Mortgage payment amount     Mortgage payment period     Real estate tax payment amount     Real estate tax payment period     Condominium charge amount     Condominium charge period     Coop apartment maintenance payment amount     Coop apartment maintenance payment period     Other expense 1 title     Other expense 1 payment amount     Other expense 1 payment period     Other expense 2 title     Other expense 2 payment amount     Other expense 2 payment period        
 
         [1008]     Utilities expenses information: 
        Fuel oil payment amount     Fuel oil payment period     Gas payment amount     Gas payment period     Electricity payment amount     Electricity payment period     Water payment amount     Water payment period     Firewood payment amount     Firewood payment period     Propane payment amount     Propane payment period     Trash removal payment amount     Trash removal payment period     Burglar alarm system payment amount     Burglar alarm system payment period     Residential telephone payment amount     Residential telephone payment period     Cellular telephone payment amount     Cellular telephone payment period     Pager payment amount     Pager payment period     Internet service payment amount     Internet service payment period     Other expense 1 title     Other expense 1 payment amount     Other expense 1 payment period     Other expense 2 title     Other expense 2 payment amount     Other expense 2 payment period     Other expense 3 title     Other expense 3 payment amount     Other expense 3 payment period        
 
         [1042]     Food expenses information: 
        Groceries payment amount     Groceries payment period     School lunches payment amount     School lunches payment period     Lunches at work payment amount     Lunches at work payment period     Dining out payment amount     Dining out payment period     Alcohol payment amount     Alcohol payment period     Other expense 1 title     Other expense 1 payment amount     Other expense 1 payment period     Other expense 2 title     Other expense 2 payment amount     Other expense 2 payment period        
 
         [1059]     Clothing expenses information: 
        Husband clothing payment amount     Husband clothing payment period     Wife clothing payment amount     Wife clothing payment period     Children clothing payment amount     Children clothing payment payment period     Work uniform payment amount     Work uniform payment period     Other expense 1 title     Other expense 1 payment amount     Other expense 1 payment period     Other expense 2 title     Other expense 2 payment amount     Other expense 2 payment period        
 
         [1074]     Laundry expenses information: 
        Laundromat payment amount     Laundromat payment period     Dry cleaning payment amount     Dry cleaning payment period     Laundry service payment amount     Laundry service payment period     Other expense 1 title     Other expense 1 payment amount     Other expense 1 payment period     Other expense 2 title     Other expense 2 payment amount     Other expense 2 payment period        
 
         [1087]     Household maintenance expenses information: 
        Repairs payment amount     Repairs payment period     Furniture, linens, furnishings payment amount     Furniture, linens, furnishings payment period     Cleaning supplies payment amount     Cleaning supplies payment period     Appliances incl. service contracts payment amount     Appliances inc. Service contracts payment period     Painting and wallpapering payment amount     Painting and wallpapering payment period     Lawn and garden payment amount     Lawn and garden payment period     Landscaping payment amount     Landscaping payment period     Snow removal payment amount     Snow removal payment period     Extermination payment amount     Extermination payment period     Remodeling payment amount     Remodeling payment period     Decorating payment amount     Decorating payment period     Other expense 1 title     Other expense 1 payment amount     Other expense 1 payment period     Other expense 2 title     Other expense 2 payment amount     Other expense 2 payment period        
 
         [1116]     Domestic labor expenses information: 
        Housekeeper payment amount     Housekeeper payment period     Babysitter payment amount     Babysitter payment period     Diaper service payment amount     Diaper service payment period     Errand service payment amount     Errand service payment period     Other expense 1 title     Other expense 1 payment amount     Other expense 1 payment period     Other expense 2 title     Other expense 2 payment amount     Other expense 2 payment period        
 
         [1131]     Automotive expenses information: 
        Loan payments amount     Loan payments period     Lease payment amount     Lease payment period     Gas and oil payment amount     Gas and oil payment period     Repair service payment amount     Repair service payment period     Parts payment amount     Parts payment period     Car wash payment amount     Car wash payment period     Registration payment amount     Registration payment period     Inspection payment amount     Inspection payment period     License payment amount     License payment period     Parking payment amount     Parking payment period     Tolls payment amount     Tolls payment period     Other expense 1 title     Other expense 1 payment amount     Other expense 1 payment period     Other expense 2 title     Other expense 2 payment amount     Other expense 2 payment period        
 
         [1160]     Education expenses information: 
        Nursery and pre-school payment amount     Nursery and pre-school payment period     Furniture, linens, furnishings payment amount     Furniture, linens, furnishings payment period     Primary payment amount     Primary payment period     Secondary payment amount     Secondary payment period     Post-secondary payment amount     Post-secondary payment period     Graduate payment amount     Graduate payment period     Daycare payment amount     Daycare period     Religious instruction payment amount     Religious instruction payment period     School transportation payment amount     School transportation payment period     School supplies/books payment amount     School supplies/books payment period     Tutoring payment amount     Tutoring payment period     School events/activities payment amount     School events/activities payment period     Other expense 1 title     Other expense 1 payment amount     Other expense 1 payment period     Other expense 2 title     Other expense 2 payment amount     Other expense 2 payment period        
 
         [1191]     Recreational expenses information: 
        Summer camp payment amount     Summer camp payment period     Vacation and travel payment amount     Vacation and travel payment period     Movies payment amount     Movies payment period     Books, magazines, newspapers payment amount     Books, magazines, newspapers payment period     Theater, ballet, symphony payment amount     Theater, ballet, symphony payment period     Media rentals payment amount     Media rentals payment period     Media purchases payment amount     Media purchases payment period     Cable television payment amount     Cable television payment period     Athletic organizations payment amount     Athletic organizations payment period     Country club payment amount     Country club payment period     Health club payment amount     Health club payment period     Athletic equipment payment amount     Athletic equipment payment period     Hobbies payment amount     Hobbies payment period     Music/dance lessons payment amount     Music/dance lessons payment period     Sports lessons payment amount     Sports lessons payment period     Birthday parties payment amount     Birthday parties payment period     Slip charges payment amount     Slip charges payment period     Hangar charges payment amount     Hangar charges payment period     Boat storage payment amount     Boat storage payment period     Other expense 1 title     Other expense 1 payment amount     Other expense 1 payment period     Other expense 2 title     Other expense 2 payment amount     Other expense 2 payment period     Other expense 3 title     Other expense 3 payment amount     Other expense 3 payment period        
 
         [1239]     Insurance expenses information: 
        Life payment amount     Life payment period     Homeowners/tenants payment amount     Homeowners/tenants payment period     Fire, theft and liability payment amount     Fire, theft and liability payment period     Automotive payment amount     Automotive payment period     Umbrella policy payment amount     Umbrella policy payment period     Medical plan payment amount     Medical plan payment period     Medicare payment amount     Medicare payment period     Prescription plan payment amount     Prescription plan payment period     Dental plan payment amount     Dental plan payment period     Optical plan payment amount     Optical plan payment period     Long term care payment amount     Long term care payment period     Disability payment amount     Disability payment period     Worker&#39;s compensation payment amount     Worker&#39;s compensation payment period     Motorcycle payment amount     Motorcycle payment period     Boat/watercraft payment amount     Boat/watercraft payment period     Pilot payment amount     Pilot payment period     Other expense 1 title     Other expense 1 payment amount     Other expense 1 payment period     Other expense 2 title     Other expense 2 payment amount     Other expense 2 payment period     Other expense 3 title     Other expense 3 payment amount     Other expense 3 payment period        
 
         [1281]     Unreimbursed medical expenses information: 
        Medical payment amount     Medical payment period     Dental payment amount     Dental payment period     Optical payment amount     Optical payment period     Orthodontia payment amount     Orthodontia payment period     Pharmaceutical payment amount     Pharmaceutical payment period     Hospital payment amount     Hospital payment period     Home health care payment amount     Home health care payment period     Nursing home payment amount     Nursing home payment period     Veterinarian payment amount     Veterinarian payment period     Chiropractic payment amount     Chiropractic payment period     Massage therapy payment amount     Massage therapy payment period     Physical therapy payment amount     Physical therapy payment period     Acupuncture payment amount     Acupuncture payment period     Other expense 1 title     Other expense 1 payment amount     Other expense 1 payment period     Other expense 2 title     Other expense 2 payment amount     Other expense 2 payment period        
 
         [1314]     Miscellaneous expenses information: 
        Beauty parlor/barber payment amount     Beauty parlor/barber payment period     Cosmetics and perfumes payment amount     Cosmetics and perfumes payment period     Tobacco products payment amount     Tobacco products payment period     Children&#39;s allowances payment amount     Children&#39;s allowances payment period     Gifts payment amount     Gifts payment period     Charitable donations payment amount     Charitable donations payment period     Commutation and transportation payment amount     Commutation and transportation payment period     Veterinarian/pet expenses payment amount     Veterinarian/pet expenses payment period     Religious contributions payment amount     Religious contributions payment period     Union dues payment amount     Union dues payment period     Postage and delivery payment amount     Postage and delivery payment period     Mail box rental payment amount     Mail box rental payment period     Stationery payment amount     Stationery payment period     Bank fees payment amount     Bank fees payment period     Check fees payment amount     Check fees payment period     Other expense 1 title     Other expense 1 payment amount     Other expense 1 payment period     Other expense 2 title     Other expense 2 payment amount     Other expense 2 payment period     Other expense 3 title     Other expense 3 payment amount     Other expense 3 payment period        
 
         [1354]     Other expenses information: 
        Other expense 1 title     Other expense 1 payment amount     Other expense 1 payment period     Other expense 2 title     Other expense 2 payment amount     Other expense 2 payment period     Other expense 3 title     Other expense 3 payment amount     Other expense 3 payment period     Other expense 4 title     Other expense 4 payment amount     Other expense 4 payment period     Other expense 5 title     Other expense 5 payment amount     Other expense 5 payment period     Other expense 6 title     Other expense 6 payment amount     Other expense 6 payment period 
 
 Other Information 
       
 
         [1373]     Other data identifies all remaining financial and legal amounts and agreements in the case, including support, counsel fee, accountant and appraisal fee, and other financial information. The invention&#39;s other information comprises the following data elements.  
         [1374]     Support requirements information: 
        Paying/receiving     Paid/received amount     Paid/received amount payment period     Paid/received prior to separation     Paid/received pre-sep amount     Paid/received pre-sep payment period     Covered expenses     Reason for payment     Arrears outstanding?    Arrears outstanding amount     Deponent requested amount per child     Deponent child amount payment period     Number of children to receive support     Deponent requested amount for self amount     Deponent self amount payment period     Payment day interval     Payment day of week        
 
         [1392]     Counsel fee requirements information:  
         [1393]     Deponent amount requested for fees and disbursements 
        Deponent amount paid to counsel     Deponent fee agreement with counsel     Retainer or written agreement concerning fees?       
 
         [1397]     Accountant and appraisal fee requirements information: 
        Deponent requested amount for accountant fees and disbursements     Reason for requiring accountant     Deponent requested amount for appraiser fees and disbursements     Reason for requiring appraiser        
 
         [1402]     Other financial information: 
        Explanation of other financial information 
 
 General Conveniences 
       
 
         [1404]     The invention uses commonly-available interface components to simplify entry of certain types of information. An example is the use of a calendar icon to navigate to, and select, a specific date, as contrasted with requiring the typing of individual day, month, and year for the item of information requiring date contents.  
         [0000]     Summary  
         [1405]     The proper completion of the Statement of Net Worth (SNW) for a matrimonial divorce proceeding can be a long and complex process. The SNW requires entry of data elements originating throughout the entire history of the marriage. An example might be the original prices or values of specific assets acquired during the marriage. The SNW also may require data elements originating before the marriage as well, such as the original prices or values of specific assets acquired before the marriage. The SNW also requires entry of numerous monetary amounts to form consistent patterns, such as the purchase price of the primary residence, which must match the sum of the cash down payment and the amount of the mortgage. The SNW also requires the summarization of various breakdowns of monetary amounts, such as the sum of all food expenses over a month&#39;s time, as produced from the individual categories of food expense such as groceries, lunches at work, alcohol, and other categories as supplied by the user. Further, the SNW requires some open-ended lists of sets of entries, such as the name, date of birth, ages, SSN, and place of residence of each of a number of children that varies widely from case to case. For some data elements, the SNW further requires that the user choose from one of a set of valid alternatives.  
         [1406]     These data requirements vary widely from case to case. During a divorce action, the cost of preparing the SNW can itself become an issue, and providing a reasonably-accurate estimate for preparation is highly desirable. In a simple divorce action in which no children, a short marriage history, few assets, few expenses, and few sources of income are involved, the Statement of Net Worth can be prepared quickly and easily. In a more complex divorce action in which, for example, the division of businesses and considerable wealth are factors, the preparation of the SNW becomes complicated, and its accuracy becomes critical. The invention significantly reduces the difference in degree of difficulty of preparation between these two extremes. This reduction eases the task of estimation for the preparer of the SNW.  
         [1407]     Law firms handling matrimonial actions have been generally slow to adopt computerized forms. This slowness is based in part in the perception, often correct, that such forms and their supporting software are often inadequate or incomplete in their coverage of necessary details, and are difficult to use. Since inaccuracy and omission can result in expensive legal errors, and since difficulty of use contributes to those errors, law firms have resisted the adoption of computerized systems for form preparation. The invention is comprehensive, precise, and easy to use, facilitating the adoption of its automated features by law firms that have resisted the use of other computerized systems.