Form A is the document that formally starts financial remedy proceedings.
For many people, issuing Form A feels like a big step. This article explains what Form A does and what it means for your case.
Form A is the application to the family court asking it to deal with financial matters following separation or divorce.
It does not set out your full financial position. Instead, it tells the court that you are asking for its help to resolve finances.
Form A is usually issued when:
Negotiations have stalled
One party is not engaging
A court timetable is needed
Issuing Form A does not prevent settlement. In fact, many cases settle after it is issued.
Once Form A is issued, the court will:
Set a timetable
Order financial disclosure (usually Form E)
List hearings
The structure can help move matters forward where things have been stuck.
You can issue Form A yourself, but legal advice is often helpful before doing so.
A barrister can advise on:
Timing and strategy
Whether court is appropriate
The likely range of outcomes
That advice can help you avoid unnecessary escalation.
Court proceedings are not always adversarial. Used properly, they can provide clarity, structure and resolution.
Understanding what Form A does helps you make informed decisions about next steps.
If your financial disclosure is likely to lead into court proceedings, it can also be helpful to understand how the process formally starts, which is explained in our full guide to Form A.