What Documents Do I Need for Financial Remedy Proceedings?

Preparing the right documents for financial remedy proceedings is one of the most important practical steps in a divorce. Incomplete or disorganised disclosure can delay your case, attract cost penalties, and undermine your credibility with the judge. This guide sets out what you will need.

Form E: The Central Document

Form E is the comprehensive financial disclosure statement that both parties must complete and exchange before the First Appointment. It covers all assets, income, pensions, debts, and financial needs. It is completed under oath. Supporting documents must be attached to each section.

Income Documents

For employed people: the last three payslips, the most recent P60, and any documentation of bonuses, commission, or benefits in kind. For self-employed people: the last two years of tax returns, accountant-prepared accounts, and SA302 forms. For those receiving rental income: tenancy agreements and bank statements showing rental receipts.

Property Documents

For each property you own or have an interest in: a current valuation (either an estate agent's letter or a formal RICS valuation), a copy of the most recent mortgage statement showing the outstanding balance, and evidence of any equity release or second charges.

Bank and Savings Accounts

The last 12 months of bank statements for every account held in your sole or joint name, including savings accounts, ISAs, and any accounts that have been closed in the last 12 months.

Pension Documents

A Cash Equivalent Transfer Value (CETV) for every pension arrangement. Request these from your pension provider as early as possible. They can take several weeks to arrive and your Form E cannot be finalised without them.

Business Documents

If you or your spouse own or have an interest in a business: the last two years of company accounts, any shareholder agreement, and details of director's loans or drawings.

Liabilities

Statements for all credit cards, loans, overdrafts, and any other debts showing the current outstanding balance.

Other Documents

Life insurance policies with a surrender value, details of any trusts you are a beneficiary of, and documentation of any gifts or inheritances received in the last few years.

Summary

The key documents for financial remedy proceedings are the Form E, three months of payslips, 12 months of bank statements, pension CETVs, property valuations, mortgage statements, and business accounts where relevant. Start gathering these early: pension CETVs in particular can take several weeks to obtain and should be requested as soon as proceedings are contemplated.

Want to understand your options before committing to anything? The team at Barrister Connect is happy to talk it through working with a barrister with you. Reach out to us here.