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What is Form A?

Your guide to starting a financial application in divorce or separation

What is Form A
Form A is the application used in England and Wales to start financial remedy proceedings during divorce or civil partnership dissolution. It tells the court you need help resolving finances such as property, maintenance, lump sums or pensions. Form A does not decide outcomes. It opens the process and sets a timetable both parties must follow.

When you’ll need it

  • You want the court to make a financial order
  • Negotiations have stalled and agreement is unlikely
  • The other party is not engaging or withholding disclosure
  • You need the court to manage property, maintenance or pensions.
  • You want a formal timetable for Form E disclosure and hearings.

Why this page helps

  • Explains what Form A does and when it is required.
  • Shows which orders you can apply for.
  • Guides how to complete it correctly.
  • Outlines what happens after filing and court expectations.
  • Highlights when to seek expert support for complex finances.

Why Form A matters

Form A is the document that officially tells the court you are asking for help with your financial settlement. Filing it:

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Starts the process and sets a clear court timetable.

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Ensures full disclosure from both sides for fair negotiation.

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Enables binding orders if agreement cannot be reached.

What Form A Includes

MIAM

The financial orders you are applying for

Such as lump sums, property adjustment, spousal maintenance or pension orders.

Information-1

Basic details about both parties

Names, contact information and whether either party has legal representation. 

MIAM

Confirmation of MIAM status

Whether you attended a MIAM or are relying on an exemption. 

Urgent issues

Any urgent financial issues

Immediate concerns about housing, income or financial pressures the court should be aware of. 

Court orders

Information about existing court orders

Details of any previous financial or child-related orders that may affect the case. 

Sttement of truth

Statement of truth

Your signed confirmation that the information provided is accurate.

How to complete Form A

Form A itself is straightforward, but it is important to complete it accurately.

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Before stating gather

  • Your marriage or civil partnership details

  • Your spouse or partner’s details

  • A clear idea of which financial orders may be needed

  • Confirmation of MIAM attendance or exemption

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Completing the form

  • Add your personal and contact details

  • Add the respondent’s details

  • Tick the financial orders you are applying for

  • Confirm your MIAM status

  • Provide a brief summary of urgent issues

  • Sign the Statement of Truth

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Filing the form

  • File it with your local family court or online where available

  • Pay the application fee

  • Keep a copy for your records

  • Once filed, the court will set a clear timetable for the next steps.

 

How to fill in Form E (2)

Free Download: Guide to Form A
and the Court Process

We have created a clear, step by step Form A Guide to help you understand the financial court process that begins once Form A is filed.

Common Challenges with Form A

You may run into difficulties if:

  • You are unsure which orders you need

  • There are pensions or business assets involved

  • One party refuses to engage or disclose information

  • There are urgent financial or housing needs

  • You are unsure whether mediation is required

  • There are overseas or complex assets

In these situations, speaking with a barrister can help clarify what Form A should include and what to prepare for next.

When to get professional help

We can match you directly with an experienced family law barrister who can:

  • Advise whether Form A is the right step

  • Review or complete the form with you

  • Explain which financial orders apply to your situation

  • Prepare you for the First Appointment, FDR and beyond

  • Provide a clear, fixed fee quote for the work

Get a quote
What documents do I need to complete Form A?

You’ll need documents that confirm your identity, details of the marriage, your current financial position, and anything relevant to property, pensions, or ongoing court matters.

To complete Form A, you should gather documents that support the type of financial order you are applying for. While Form A doesn’t require full disclosure at the time of filing, preparing the following documents early will prevent delays once the court sets the timetable:

Essentials

  • Your marriage certificate (or certified copy).

  • Proof of your identity and address.

  • Any previous court orders relating to finances, children, or non-molestation.

Financial background

  • Recent bank statements showing income, savings, and regular spending.

  • Payslips, P60s, or tax returns if you are self-employed.

  • Details of any benefits received.

Property and mortgage details

  • Latest mortgage statements and account numbers.

  • Property valuation or estate agent appraisal.

  • Details of joint or sole ownership (title deeds if available).

Pensions and investments

  • Pension statements showing the scheme type and provider.

  • Savings, ISAs, premiums bonds, or investment account statements.

Liabilities

  • Loan agreements, credit card statements, or any finance plans.

Why this matters:

Once Form A is issued, you will be ordered to complete Form E, so preparing these documents now saves time and ensures your disclosure is accurate.

How do I list property and mortgage details on Form A?

You only provide a summary of the property and mortgage details at this stage—full valuation evidence is supplied later in Form E.

Form A requires a clear overview of the property or properties that may be relevant to the financial order. You should include:

Property details

  • Address of each property.

  • Whether it is jointly or solely owned.

  • Whether it is the family home, rental property, or holiday home.

Mortgage information

  • Name of lender and account number.

  • Current outstanding mortgage balance (from your latest statement).

  • Whether there are arrears or secured loans attached.

  • Whether there are early repayment penalties.

Other relevant info

  • Whether you intend to sell the property or transfer equity.

  • Whether the property is already on the market.

Tip:
You don’t need a full RICS valuation at this stage, but having an estimate helps you predict how the court may approach property division later.

How do I declare pensions and savings in Form A?

Form A only requires a summary of your pensions and savings; full disclosure happens later in the financial proceedings.

On Form A, you should outline the existence of pensions and savings, including:

Pensions

  • Name of each pension provider.

  • Whether each pension is defined benefit or defined contribution.

  • Approximate fund value or benefit summary from your latest statement.

  • Whether you believe a Pension Sharing Order may be necessary.

Savings and investments

  • Bank account balances.

  • ISAs, bonds, premium bonds, cryptocurrency accounts, or investment portfolios.

  • Any long-term savings (e.g., fixed-term savings or children’s linked accounts).

Why this matters:
The court needs to know early whether pension sharing, offsetting, or lump-sum adjustments might be required. You will be ordered to obtain CETVs after Form A is processed.

Can I apply for more than one financial order on Form A?

Yes. You can request multiple orders — lump sum, property adjustment, spousal maintenance, pension sharing or attachment. The court considers them together to reach a fair financial remedy.

What exemptions apply for MIAM on Form A?

You may be exempt from attending a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) if certain circumstances apply, such as domestic abuse, urgency, safety risks, or previous MIAM attendance.


Before submitting Form A, most people must attend a MIAM unless they qualify for an exemption. Common exemptions include:

Safety and abuse-related exemptions

  • Evidence of domestic abuse within the last 24 months.

  • Ongoing criminal investigations or protective orders.

  • Risk of harm to yourself or the children.

Urgent applications

  • Risk of losing your home through repossession.

  • Imminent dissipation of assets (e.g., your ex moving money offshore).

  • Urgent need for maintenance or enforcement.

Process-related exemptions

  • The other party is bankrupt (relevant for financial orders).

  • You’ve already attended a MIAM within the last 4 months.

  • The other party refuses to attend or is unable to participate.

  • You’re applying to vary an existing financial order.

Logistical exemptions

  • No authorised mediator available within 15 miles.

  • Disability or practical barriers preventing attendance.

Tip:
Always select only the exemption that is relevant and ensure you can support it if questioned.

How do I submit Form A to the court and pay the fees?

You submit Form A online or by post to your local Family Court, pay the application fee, and receive a court timetable for the financial disclosure process.

Step 1 — Complete Form A

Ensure all sections are completed, including MIAM or MIAM exemption.

Step 2 — Choose how to submit

You can submit Form A:

  • Online through the government’s digital service (recommended).

  • By post to your local Family Court handling financial remedy applications.

  • Through a direct access barrister if you want professional support.

Step 3 — Pay the court fee

As of current guidance:

  • The Form A fee is £275 (verify at the time of submission).

  • Pay online or include a cheque/postal order if posting.

  • If eligible for Help with Fees, complete Form EX160 and include your HWF reference.

Step 4 — Receive your Notice of First Appointment (FHDRA/First Hearing)

The court will issue:

  • Your Court Timetable (deadlines for Form E, questionnaires, valuations, etc.)

  • The First Appointment date (FHDRA).

Step 5 — Serve the papers

You must also serve a sealed copy of Form A on the other party unless the court handles service for you.

Do I need a solicitor to complete Form A?

You can complete Form A without a solicitor, but many people choose legal help to avoid mistakes. A direct access barrister is often a more cost-effective and specialist option.


You do not legally need a solicitor to complete and file Form A. Many people submit it themselves, especially when finances are straightforward. However, some situations benefit from professional guidance, including complex pensions, business ownership, overseas assets, or disagreements about what financial orders are needed.

Instead of using a solicitor, many people choose to instruct a direct access barrister, who can:

  • Explain exactly which financial orders you should apply for

  • Help you complete Form A correctly the first time

  • Advise on MIAM exemptions

  • Prepare you for the First Appointment and financial disclosure

  • Provide strategic guidance without the overheads of a solicitor’s firm

Because barristers specialise in court work and financial remedy law, they can often provide clearer, more focused advice at a much lower cost than a traditional solicitor. This makes them a popular choice for people who want expert support without paying full solicitor fees.