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.
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.
The biggest mistake people make is diving in without organising first.
Do this before you type a single number:
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.
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
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”.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
Usually:
You check everything is complete
You exchange Form Es at the same time
You review your ex’s Form E carefully
You ask focused questions if something is missing
Many cases settle after this stage
If not, the court will give directions on what happens next.
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.