Form E is the financial statement used in financial remedy proceedings in England and Wales. Both parties must complete one, and it forms the foundation of all financial negotiations and court hearings. Getting it right matters enormously.
This guide explains what Form E is, what it covers, how to complete it and the most common mistakes people make.
What is Form E?
Form E is a detailed financial disclosure document. Its purpose is to give both parties, and the court, a full, honest picture of each person's financial position. It covers assets, income, outgoings, debts, pensions and financial needs.
Both parties complete their own Form E and exchange them simultaneously, meaning you both send your completed form to each other at the same time, on the date directed by the court.
Important: Form E must be completed honestly and in full. It is a statement of truth, meaning you are confirming its contents are accurate. Providing false or incomplete information is a serious matter and can have significant consequences for your case.
What does Form E cover?
Section 1, General information
Basic personal details, details of any children, and information about the divorce proceedings themselves.
Section 2, Financial details
This is the main body of the form and covers:
- Property, all properties you have an interest in, their value and any mortgage outstanding
- Bank and building society accounts, all accounts, including joint accounts
- Savings and investments, ISAs, shares, bonds, premium bonds
- Life insurance and endowment policies
- Business interests, if you own or have a share in a business
- Pensions, all pension arrangements, with a cash equivalent transfer value (CETV) for each
- Other assets, vehicles, valuable items, money owed to you
- Liabilities, all debts including credit cards, loans and hire purchase
Section 3, Income
All income from all sources, employment, self-employment, rental income, benefits, maintenance received and any other income.
Section 4, Financial requirements
Your monthly outgoings and financial needs, both current and future. This section is your opportunity to set out what you need to live on and any particular financial needs or circumstances.
Section 5, Other information
Details of any significant changes you expect to your financial position, any inheritance likely to be received, and any other relevant information.
Section 6, Order sought
A brief outline of the financial order you are seeking from the court.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Undervaluing or omitting assets, every asset must be declared, even if you think it won't be relevant
- Forgetting pensions, pensions are often among the most significant assets and are frequently underestimated
- Vague outgoings, be specific and realistic about monthly expenses
- Not gathering supporting documents, you must attach supporting documentation including bank statements, mortgage statements and pension valuations
- Leaving sections blank, if something doesn't apply, state that clearly rather than leaving it empty
- Missing the deadline, Form E must be filed and exchanged by the court-directed date. Missing it has consequences
Getting help with Form E
Form E is long, the standard form runs to over 20 pages, and the financial and legal terminology can be confusing. Many people find it helpful to work through it with support, particularly for sections covering business interests, pensions or complex asset structures.
I offer dedicated Form E guidance sessions, working through the form step by step to make sure it is complete, accurate and submitted on time.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to complete Form E if we are trying to agree things ourselves?
If your case is proceeding through the court's financial remedy process, yes, both parties must complete Form E. If you are negotiating privately without court involvement, you may not need to use Form E specifically, but full financial disclosure is still expected and advisable.
What documents do I need to attach to Form E?
You will need recent bank statements (typically the last 12 months for all accounts), mortgage statements, pension valuations (CETV), payslips or accounts if self-employed, property valuations and details of any other significant assets.
What if I don't have access to all the financial information?
Complete what you can with the information available and make clear where information is estimated or unavailable. You can raise queries about the other party's financial disclosure through a questionnaire at the First Appointment stage.
Can I get help completing Form E?
Yes, The Separation Companion offers dedicated Form E guidance sessions. This is not legal advice, but practical support to help you work through the form accurately and thoroughly.