How to fill in Form E (without losing your mind)

Form E is one of those things that sounds simple on paper "just list your finances" but can quickly turn into a pile of bank statements, pension letters, and half-remembered account logins.

If you’re dealing with divorce or separation in England or Wales, Form E is the document that sets out your full financial picture: what you own, what you earn, and what you owe. It matters because it’s the foundation for any fair financial outcome.

This post will walk you through what Form E is really asking for, how to approach it calmly, and how to avoid the mistakes that slow everything down. And if you want step-by-step help, you can download our full plain-English guide at the end.

What Is Form E Actually For?

Form E is your financial snapshot. You and your ex each complete one so that:

• You can see each other’s true financial position

• Lawyers and barristers can advise properly

• The court (if needed) can make fair decisions

You’ll usually complete Form E if:

• The court has ordered financial disclosure

• You’ve applied for a financial order

• You’re exchanging information voluntarily before settling

It’s not about blame. It’s about facts.

Before You Start: Set Yourself Up Properly

The biggest mistake people make is diving in without organising first.

Do this before you type a single number:

• Download the most current version of Form E from the Government Website 

• Create a folder called something like: Form E 2025

• Save everything there: bank statements, payslips, pensions, loans

• Rename files clearly:

  • NatWest Joint Account April 2025.pdf

  • Aviva Pension CEV June 2025.pdf

You’ll need things like:

• 12 months of bank statements for every account

• Mortgage statements or property valuations

• Payslips and P60

• Loans, credit cards, car finance

• Pension documents with Cash Equivalent Values (CEVs)

• Household bills and a living-cost budget

Deadlines matter. If the court has ordered Form E, missing it can delay your case or increase costs.

How to Tackle Form E Without Getting Overwhelmed

Don’t try to do it in one sitting. Form E is long.

The best way is:

• One section at a time

• One evening or session per section

• Keep notes of anything you’re waiting for

Section 1: The Basics

This is about you, your relationship, and your children:

• Names, addresses, dates

• Marriage and separation dates

• Children’s details and arrangements

• Any maintenance already being paid

Keep it factual. No backstory, no emotion.
If something doesn’t apply, write “n/a”.

Section 2: Your Finances

This is the longest part. It covers:

• Property

• Bank and savings accounts

• Investments and insurance

• Cash and valuables

• Debts

• Businesses

• Pensions

• Income from all sources

Key rules here:

• List everything—even closed accounts from the last 12 months

• Use real figures from statements, not guesses

• If something is unusual, explain it briefly

• If it’s joint, list only your share and explain how you calculated it

For example:

“3 Oak Road – Estimated value £375,000 (Zoopla July 2025). Mortgage £240,000. Joint ownership – 50% share = £67,500 equity.”

Pensions often take the longest—providers can take weeks to send CEVs. Request them early and note “to follow” if you’re waiting.

Section 3: What You Need to Live On

This part is about your future needs, not punishing yourself with bare-bones numbers.

List:

• Housing, bills, food, transport

• Personal costs

• Children’s costs you actually pay

Be realistic, not minimal. The court expects reasonable living costs.

If something looks high or low, explain why.

Section 4: Other Information

This is where you explain:

• Big changes in the last year (job loss, inheritance, pay rise)

• Expected changes (new job, retirement, moving house)

• Standard of living during the relationship

• Major contributions (money, childcare, career sacrifices)

• Behaviour only if it had a clear financial impact

• New relationships if they affect your living costs

Keep it neutral. No emotional commentary—just facts.

Section 5: What Orders You Want

You don’t have to finalise everything yet. You can write:

• What you’d like to happen with property

• Whether you’re asking for maintenance

• Whether pensions should be shared

• Any other assets to be transferred

If you’re unsure, it’s fine to say:
“TBC after disclosure.”

Common Mistakes That Cause Problems

These are the things that lead to delays, distrust, or extra hearings:

• Leaving blanks instead of writing “n/a”

• Using round numbers with no explanation

• Forgetting joint debts or accounts

• Figures not matching documents

• Mixing gross and net income

• Missing supporting documents

• Emotional comments instead of facts

Form E is about credibility. Accuracy matters more than perfection.

The Statement of Truth: Take This Seriously

When you sign Form E, you are legally confirming that:

• It’s complete

• It’s honest

• Nothing important is missing

If something is an estimate, say so and explain how you worked it out.
If new information arrives later, update it.

This isn’t just a formality—it carries legal weight. 

What Happens After You Finish?

Usually:

1. You check everything is complete

2. You exchange Form Es at the same time

3. You review your ex’s Form E carefully

4. You ask focused questions if something is missing

5. Many cases settle after this stage

If not, the court will give directions on what happens next.

Want a Step-By-Step Version of This?

This blog gives you the overview.

Our downloadable guide gives you:

• Every section explained in plain English

• Examples of what to write

• Checklists of what to attach

• Common traps to avoid

If you’re staring at Form E and thinking “I just want someone to talk me through this”, that’s exactly what the guide is for.

Download it here >>