Form E Explained
Form E is a financial disclosure form used in family law cases in England & Wales. This page explains what Form E is, when it is used, and how it relates to mediation and discussions about financial arrangements after separation.
What is Form E?
Form E is a detailed financial statement used to provide a full picture of a person's finances. It is most commonly used in court proceedings about financial matters following divorce or separation.
The form asks for information about income, assets, pensions, debts, and regular expenditure.
The purpose of Form E is transparency — so financial decisions are based on accurate and complete information.
When is Form E used?
Form E is usually required when:
- Applying to the court for a financial order
- Financial matters are being formally determined
Courts rely on Form E to ensure both people have disclosed their finances fully.
Form E and mediation
In mediation, people do not always need to complete Form E itself. However, mediators often ask for financial disclosure in a similar format, so that both people understand the full financial picture before exploring options.
Some people choose to use Form E during mediation because:
- It provides a recognised structure
- It may later be needed for court
- It supports clear, organised disclosure
What information does Form E cover?
Form E is divided into sections that cover:
- Personal and household details
- Income from all sources
- Property and housing
- Savings and investments
- Pensions
- Debts and liabilities
- Regular monthly expenditure
Each section is usually supported by documents such as bank statements, payslips, or pension reports.
Do I need legal help to complete Form E?
Some people choose to seek legal advice when completing Form E, particularly where finances are complex.
Others complete the form independently or alongside mediation.
The right approach depends on your circumstances and level of confidence.
Common questions about Form E
Is Form E compulsory?
Form E is usually required when applying to court for a financial order. In other situations, such as mediation or negotiation, it may not be compulsory but similar disclosure is often expected.
Does everyone have to complete Form E?
In court proceedings involving finances, both parties are typically asked to complete their own Form E so that the court has a full picture of both sides.
What happens if information is missing?
If information is incomplete, the court or mediator may ask for clarification or additional documents. Full disclosure helps financial discussions proceed more smoothly.
Is Form E only for court cases?
Form E is primarily designed for court proceedings. However, some people use it in mediation or negotiations because it provides a recognised and structured format for disclosure.
Preparing for financial disclosure
Whether or not you are completing Form E, being organised can make financial discussions more manageable.
Many people find it helpful to:
- Gather documents early
- Update financial information where possible
- Break the task into sections
When you're ready
If you would like structured support in discussing financial matters, a MIAM can help you understand whether mediation may be suitable.
Learn about MIAMsYou are under no obligation to proceed.
Financial forms like Form E can feel daunting. Understanding what they are for — and how they fit into the wider process — can help you approach financial discussions with greater confidence and clarity.