How to fill in Form D11 in family proceedings

Form D11 is the general application form in family proceedings. It is used to ask the family court to make a procedural order in existing proceedings, whether that is permission to do something, variation of an existing order, or any other interim step. It is the family court equivalent of Form N244 in civil proceedings.

This guide explains what D11 is, when to use it, and how to complete it correctly so the court can act on your application promptly.

What is Form D11?

Form D11 is the application notice used during ongoing family proceedings. If you have already started a case (whether divorce, financial remedy or children proceedings) and need the court to make an additional order, D11 is usually the form to use.

Typical uses include:

• Applying for an interim order in financial remedy proceedings
• Requesting permission to file evidence late
• Asking for a hearing to be relisted or postponed
• Applying for an order against a third party (such as a pension provider)
• Seeking permission to instruct an expert
• Applying for orders relating to disclosure

D11 is not used to start proceedings. It is used within proceedings that are already underway.

When you should not use D11

D11 is not the right form for:

• Starting a divorce. That requires Form D8.
• Starting financial remedy proceedings. That requires Form A.
• Starting child arrangements proceedings. That requires Form C100.
• Applying for a non-molestation or occupation order. That requires Form FL401.
• Applying for a consent order. That requires Form A and Form D81.

If you are not yet involved in proceedings, you cannot use D11. You need to issue the appropriate originating application first.

The sections of Form D11

Section 1: Who are you?

Your name, address, and which party you are in the existing proceedings. The case number must be accurate.

Section 2: What order do you want?

This is where you state exactly what you want the court to do. Be specific. "An order varying paragraph 4 of the order of [date]" is much better than "an order varying the previous order."

Section 3: Why are you asking for this order?

The grounds for the application. The court needs to understand both what you are asking for and why. If you are relying on a particular rule or change of circumstances, set that out.

Section 4: Have you attached a witness statement?

Most D11 applications need a supporting witness statement, particularly if the application is contested or relies on facts that are not obvious from the case papers.

Section 5: Have you discussed this with the other side?

The court expects parties to attempt to agree procedural matters where possible. If you have not asked the other side, the court will want to know why.

Section 6: Statement of truth

Like all family court applications, D11 ends with a statement of truth that you must sign.

What to attach to a D11

The application notice is rarely enough on its own. You will usually need to attach:

A witness statement

This sets out the facts that justify the order. It should be properly formatted with a statement of truth and any exhibits.

A draft order

A draft of the order you are asking the court to make. This is not always required but is usually helpful, particularly for complex orders.

Any supporting documents

Correspondence, court orders, expert reports or other evidence that supports the application.

The fee

D11 applications usually require a court fee. The amount varies and is set out in the family court fee schedule.

Common D11 scenarios

Applying for an interim financial order

If you need an interim order before the final hearing (for example, an interim periodical payments order or an order for sale), D11 is the form. You will need to explain why an interim order is justified.

Applying to set aside or vary

For set aside or variation of a financial remedy order, D11 is typically used. The witness statement must explain the grounds in detail.

Applying to vacate or relist a hearing

If a hearing date has become impossible (because of unavailability, missing evidence or settlement progress), D11 is the form for asking the court to relist.

Applying for permission to obtain expert evidence

The court must give permission before an expert is instructed. D11 with a witness statement explaining what evidence is needed and why is the usual route.

Applying for orders against third parties

For example, asking the court to order a pension provider to provide information. D11 with appropriate supporting evidence is used.

How long do D11 applications take?

That depends on the type of application and how busy the court is. A simple uncontested procedural application can be dealt with on paper within a few weeks. A contested application requiring a hearing can take several months to be listed.

If the application is genuinely urgent, you can ask for it to be expedited. The witness statement should explain why urgency is justified. The court takes a robust view of "urgent" applications that could have been made earlier.

Common mistakes in D11 applications

Wrong form

Using D11 to start proceedings, or where a more specific form exists, leads to rejection or delay.

Vague orders

The court needs to know exactly what order you want. A draft helps.

No witness statement

Most applications need evidence. Without it, the court cannot decide.

Missing the fee

D11 applications usually require a fee. Without it, the application will not be issued.

Failing to serve

The other side must usually be served with the application unless the court directs otherwise.

The relationship between D11 and other family forms

Family proceedings use a specific set of forms. D11 is one of many. The most common forms you may encounter are:

• D8 to start a divorce
• Form A to start financial remedy proceedings
• Form E for financial disclosure in contested financial remedy proceedings
• Form D81 for the statement of information accompanying a consent order
• C100 to apply for child arrangements
• C2 for additional applications within existing children proceedings
• FL401 for non-molestation or occupation orders
• D11 for general procedural applications

Using the right form is essential. Each has its own procedure, fee and rules.

When to take legal advice

For simple procedural applications, many people complete D11 themselves. For more complex applications (variation, set aside, interim orders, applications against third parties), taking specialist advice is usually worthwhile. A direct access barrister can advise on the prospects of the application, draft the witness statement and represent you at any hearing.

Speak to someone who handles cases like this

If you have a hearing coming up or want a clear view of your options, a direct access barrister can usually advise quickly and on a fixed fee. Contact our team with a brief outline of your case and we will arrange a quote.