Law Articles

How to complete Form E in Financial Remedy Proceedings 10/07/2025

If you are involved in financial remedy proceedings following a divorce or civil partnership dissolution in England or Wales, completing Form E will be one of the most important steps in your case. Form E is a comprehensive financial statement required by the Family Court. It must be completed by both parties to ensure that there is full, frank, and accurate financial disclosure.

This article will explain the significance of Form E, provide practical advice on how to complete it, and highlight the importance of accuracy and supporting documentation. While the process can be complex, careful preparation and professional support will help you meet the court’s requirements effectively.

What Is Form E?

Form E is a mandatory document in financial remedy proceedings governed by the Family Procedure Rules 2010 (FPR 2010), specifically rule 9.14. It is used to disclose your financial and other relevant personal circumstances. This includes details about income, property, savings, pensions, liabilities, business interests, and future financial needs. The purpose of Form E is to ensure transparency so that the court – and both parties – have the necessary information to make informed decisions about a fair financial settlement.

When completed and signed, Form E becomes a sworn statement. This means you are legally declaring that the contents are true and accurate to the best of your knowledge. False or misleading information can result in serious consequences, including adverse cost orders, findings of contempt of court, or even prosecution for perjury.

How to complete it

Given the detailed nature of Form E, it is advisable to begin preparing as early as possible. Rushing to complete it at the last minute increases the risk of mistakes, omissions, and incomplete information, which can weaken your credibility and delay proceedings.

Your solicitor will typically provide you with a blank copy of Form E but you can also download it from the court website. Before filling out the form, you should start gathering relevant financial documents. These may include:

• Recent bank statements (for all accounts held over the past 12 months)
• Property valuations and mortgage statements
• Payslips and P60s
• Pension statements
• Evidence of debts and liabilities

Being organised from the outset will make the process much more manageable.

Form E is divided into several sections that ask for different types of information. It is important to focus on providing significant and relevant details rather than overwhelming the form with minor or irrelevant information. Some examples include:

• Property: List all properties you own or have an interest in, including title numbers, valuations, and outstanding mortgages. Title numbers can be found through the HM Land Registry or by conducting a search of the Index Map.
• Income and Employment: Provide details about your current income, employment status, and any expected changes. Include payslips, tax returns, or any contracts relevant to self-employment.
• Pensions: Include all pensions, whether personal or workplace-related, and provide current Cash Equivalent Transfer Values (CETVs).
• Health and Needs: Only include significant health issues that may affect your financial needs or ability to work.

If you are unsure about how to answer any part of the form, consult your solicitor. Leaving sections blank or incomplete is not acceptable, and any missing information must be accompanied by an explanation and a timeline for when it will be provided.

Supporting Documents

Your Form E must be accompanied by the documents listed in the checklist at the end of the form. These are essential to validate the information you have provided. If you cannot obtain a document in time, inform your solicitor immediately so that appropriate notice and explanation can be given to the court and the other party.

Examples of essential documents include:

• 12 months of bank statements for each account
• Recent mortgage statements and valuations
• Recent pension statements
• Business accounts for the last two years

Failure to provide supporting documentation may result in delays or adverse inferences being drawn by the court.

Practical Tips

Not everyone finds it easy to complete Form E. Some clients prefer to fill in as much as they can and then review it with their solicitor. Others may find the process overwhelming and benefit from their solicitor preparing a first draft using the documents provided. In more complex cases or where clients need additional support, a step-by-step meeting may be necessary.

Whatever your preference, it is important to work closely with your solicitor to ensure that your disclosure is accurate and thorough. Solicitors are also responsible for verifying the accuracy and completeness of the information before filing.

Only conduct that is exceptional and directly relevant to the financial issues should be mentioned in Form E. Courts apply a strict threshold to conduct and including irrelevant or prejudicial information can harm your case. Speak to your solicitor before including any conduct-related details.

It is also important to note that your obligation to provide full and frank disclosure is ongoing. If there are significant changes in your financial circumstances after Form E is filed (e.g. a job loss or inheritance), you must disclose this promptly. Updated disclosure is generally required before the final hearing.

Swearing and Filing

Before submitting Form E, it must be signed and verified with a statement of truth, confirming that the information provided is accurate and complete to the best of your knowledge and belief. This is a formal legal declaration, and it is essential that you fully understand the seriousness of this process. Providing false or misleading information can have serious legal consequences, including the risk of contempt of court.

Conclusion

Completing Form E may seem like a daunting task, but with early preparation, attention to detail, and professional guidance, it is entirely manageable. The form is not just a bureaucratic requirement – it is a vital part of ensuring a fair financial resolution. By disclosing your financial circumstances fully and accurately, you help establish a solid foundation for reaching a just outcome in your case.

For further information and advice on this issue, and other family law issues, please contact us for a free initial consultation.