Form E is the financial statement used in financial remedy proceedings on divorce, and it is often used for voluntary disclosure too. Both parties complete it to give full and frank disclosure of their finances. This guide explains, in general terms, what the form covers and how to approach it. It is general information, not legal advice about your own case.
If you would like help, you can instruct a barrister directly under Direct Access (also called Public Access), which means you can instruct a barrister without going through a solicitor first. A barrister can help you complete your Form E accurately or check the other side’s.
What Form E is for
The purpose of Form E is to give a complete and honest picture of your financial position so that a fair outcome can be worked out. The duty is to provide full and frank disclosure. That means you must not leave things out or present them misleadingly, even where you would rather not reveal them. The form is signed with a statement of truth, so the information you give is a formal declaration of accuracy.
Both parties complete their own Form E, and the two are usually exchanged so each can see the other’s finances. Honest, thorough disclosure at this stage tends to lead to a smoother process and a more durable settlement. Incomplete or evasive disclosure often causes delay, suspicion, extra cost and, in some cases, serious consequences.
What the form covers
Form E is long because it aims to capture your whole financial life. In broad terms, it asks about:
- Income from all sources, including employment, self-employment, investments and benefits.
- Capital, such as savings, investments and other assets.
- Property, including the family home and any other land or property.
- Pensions, which usually require a valuation figure.
- Liabilities, such as loans, credit cards and other debts.
- Outgoings, meaning your regular expenditure and living costs.
- Your needs and those of any children, now and in the future.
It also asks for narrative information, for example about your circumstances, your health, and any contributions or factors you think are relevant. Take these narrative sections seriously, as they are an opportunity to explain your position clearly.
Gathering your supporting documents
Form E is not just a set of figures. You must back up what you say with documents. Gathering these early saves a great deal of stress, because some can take time to obtain. Commonly required documents include:
- Recent bank statements for your accounts, usually covering a set period.
- Recent payslips and your most recent P60.
- A valuation of any property you own.
- A pension valuation, often a cash equivalent value, sometimes called a CEV.
A pension valuation in particular can take several weeks to come through from the provider, so it is sensible to request it as soon as possible. Keep a checklist of what each section requires and tick off documents as you obtain them, so nothing is missed at the last minute.
Working through it section by section
The most reliable approach is to work through the form methodically rather than trying to complete it in one sitting. A few practical principles help:
- Read each question carefully and answer the one actually being asked.
- Be consistent. Figures in one section should reconcile with figures and documents elsewhere.
- Do not leave sections blank. If something does not apply, say so clearly rather than ignoring it.
- Use realistic figures for outgoings and needs, based on your actual circumstances.
- Where you have to estimate, say that it is an estimate and explain the basis.
- Keep copies of everything you submit, including the documents attached.
If you are unsure how to value something or how to describe a complicated arrangement, it is better to seek guidance than to guess. The form sets the foundation for everything that follows, so accuracy here pays off later.
Common pitfalls and how a barrister can help
Some problems come up again and again. The most frequent are incomplete disclosure, missing supporting documents, leaving sections blank, and missing deadlines. Any of these can slow your case down, weaken your credibility, or lead the court to draw unfavourable conclusions. Rushing the form at the last minute is a common cause of all four.
Barristers are regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB), and those offering Direct Access have completed approved public access training. A barrister can help you in two main ways with Form E. First, they can help you complete your own form accurately, so it is full, frank, consistent and properly supported. Second, they can review the other party’s Form E, helping you spot gaps, inconsistencies or questions that should be raised. This can be a focused, cost-effective piece of work, even if you handle other parts of the process yourself.
Form E can feel intimidating, but it becomes manageable when you break it into steps, gather your documents early, and answer honestly and completely. If you would value expert eyes on your form or on your former spouse’s, a Direct Access barrister can give you that reassurance and help you approach the rest of the process with confidence.
This article is general information about the law in England and Wales, not legal advice on your individual circumstances. For advice on your matter, instruct a barrister. Barristers are regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB).