Form A Explained
Form A is a court form used in England & Wales when applying for a financial order after separation or divorce.
This page explains what Form A is, when it is used, what usually happens next, and how mediation can fit alongside the court process.
What is Form A?
Form A is a notice to the family court that someone intends to apply for a financial order.
It is commonly used in financial remedy proceedings following separation or divorce, where agreement about finances has not been reached.
When is Form A used?
People often encounter Form A when:
- Discussions about finances have not led to agreement
- Formal court involvement is being considered
- A financial settlement needs to be determined by the court
Issuing a Form A starts the formal court timetable for financial proceedings.
What information you need for Form A
Before filing Form A, it usually helps to have the following ready:
- Full names and current addresses of both parties
- Marriage or civil partnership details (date and place)
- A short summary of the financial dispute
- The MIAM certificate (unless a recognised exemption applies)
- Proof of the court fee paid, or evidence of fee exemption
Form A can be filed online through the family court's digital service or sent by post to the relevant court.
What does Form A do?
Form A:
- Notifies the court of an intention to proceed
- Triggers the financial court process
- Sets the framework for future hearings and steps
Form A does not, by itself, decide financial outcomes.
What usually happens after Form A?
After Form A is issued, the court process typically involves:
- Exchange of financial information
- One or more court hearings
- Opportunities for agreement along the way
The court may encourage people to continue exploring settlement where possible.
Form A and financial disclosure
Financial disclosure plays an important role in financial proceedings.
People are usually expected to provide clear information about their finances so that discussions or decisions are based on a full picture.
Form A and mediation
Issuing a Form A does not prevent people from using mediation.
Many people:
- Continue mediation alongside court proceedings
- Use mediation to narrow issues
- Reach agreement after Form A has been issued
Mediation allows people to explore financial arrangements without a judge deciding outcomes.
Common mistakes to avoid
A few issues come up regularly when people prepare Form A:
- Skipping the MIAM without a recognised exemption
- Providing incomplete or inaccurate personal or financial details
- Delaying financial disclosure once proceedings have started
- Underestimating the cost and likely timeframe of court proceedings
Taking time over the detail at the start often avoids delay later on.
Formalising agreements
Agreements reached in mediation are not legally binding on their own.
Where appropriate, people may choose to:
- Take independent legal advice
- Ask the court to formalise an agreement
This allows mediated proposals to be recognised within the court process.
Download the official Form A
Form A is available from the official GOV.UK website.
Open Form A (GOV.UK)External link to GOV.UK.
Common questions about Form A
Does issuing Form A mean court is inevitable?
Not necessarily. Many people reach agreement after Form A is issued, either through mediation or direct discussions. Form A starts the court process, but it does not mean a judge will decide the outcome.
Can agreement still be reached after Form A?
Yes. Agreement can often be reached at any stage, even after Form A has been issued. The court process includes opportunities to explore settlement.
Is mediation still possible?
Yes. Mediation can continue alongside court proceedings. Many people use mediation to narrow issues or reach agreement even after Form A has been filed.
Is Form A the same as Form E?
No. Form A is a notice of intention to apply for a financial order. Form E is a detailed financial disclosure form that is usually completed after Form A has been issued.
Ready to Arrange Your MIAM?
If you would like to explore whether mediation may help with financial discussions before or alongside court proceedings, a MIAM can help explain your options.
Arrange Your MIAM OnlineDelivered by qualified family mediators in line with UK mediation standards.
Court forms can feel unfamiliar and intimidating. Understanding what Form A does — and how it fits alongside mediation — can help people approach financial decisions with greater clarity and confidence.