What is Financial Disclosure in divorce?

How does financial disclosure work?

Financial disclosure is often facilitated by completing Form E (view a Form E here), although it is only mandatory if your case needs to go to court. Most couples will choose to complete Form Es as it is the best way of clarifying financial positions.  

Each party will complete an individual Form E, which breaks down their assets, including money, property, shares, savings, pensions etc and any liabilities. Forms are then exchanged and reviewed, before entering into negotiations.

Once an agreement has been reached, whether by direct negotiations or other non-court dispute resolution such as mediation, the parties will get a solicitor to draft a financial settlement, known as the consent order, to be submitted to the court. Providing the court finds the agreement fair and reasonable, it will be approved, legally dissolving the couple’s financial ties. 

In some cases, disputes go to court, and a Judge has to make a final decision.