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Form E Financial Statement - A Practical Guide

This guide is intended for anyone who has been asked to complete a Form E Financial Statement as part of divorce or financial remedy proceedings. It explains what Form E is, why it is important, the information you will need to provide, and what to expect during the process
 

What is Form E?

Form E is a detailed financial disclosure document used in divorce and financial remedy cases.

It gives the court (and both parties) a full picture of each person’s financial position.

It is a formal document and must be completed carefully, with supporting documents where needed. Once signed, it includes a Statement of Truth, meaning you are confirming the information is complete, accurate, and honest.


Why is Form E needed?

Form E is important because it:

  • Helps both parties understand each other’s financial position
  • Supports fair and informed discussions about financial settlement
  • Assists the court in deciding how assets should be divided if an agreement cannot be reached
  • Ensures any outcome is based on full and transparent information

Without proper disclosure, it isn’t possible to reach a fair financial settlement.


The importance of full disclosure

You must disclose everything, even if you think it:

  • Isn’t relevant
  • Is a non-matrimonial asset
  • Has a low or insignificant value

This includes all assets, income, liabilities, and financial interests.

Full transparency is essential.


How to approach Form E

Form E can feel overwhelming at first, but it becomes much more manageable if you work through it step by step.

It is usually completed in the following sections:

  1. Property
  2. Bank and savings accounts
  3. Income
  4. Investments and other assets
  5. Pensions
  6. Liabilities (debts)
  7. Other relevant information (for example, financial support, expected changes, or significant past transactions)

Taking it section by section makes the process much easier.


Section 3 – Income needs

When setting out your income needs, think carefully about:

  • What you currently spend each month
  • What you are likely to need in the future

It’s important to be realistic:

  • Don’t underestimate your needs, as this may not reflect your true position
  • Don’t overestimate, as the figures should be reasonable and justifiable

A balanced, honest approach is best.


Our role and how we work with you

We’re very happy to help you complete your Form E and answer any questions along the way.

That said, we usually ask clients to complete as much of the form as they can first. This helps because it:

  • Reduces time spent gathering basic information
  • Helps keep legal costs down
  • Ensures the information reflects your own knowledge and circumstances

Once you’ve prepared a draft, we will review it carefully, advise as needed, and ensure it is ready for submission.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I complete Form E in a way that helps my position?

No. Form E must be completed with full, frank, and honest disclosure. It is not a tactical document. It is a formal statement of your financial position, supported by a Statement of Truth. Providing incomplete or misleading information can seriously damage your credibility and may lead to penalties from the court. A fair outcome depends on transparency from both sides.

What if I closed a bank account in the last 12 months?

You still need to disclose it. Form E requires details of all accounts held within the last 12 months, including those that have been closed. You will usually need to provide statements showing the account activity and closure so the financial history is clear.

Do I need to list household contents?

In most cases, you do not need to list every item individually. Instead, you should:

  • Give a reasonable total value for household contents (for example, furniture, electronics, jewellery, and general items)
  • Identify any high-value items separately (such as antiques, artwork, or valuable jewellery)
  • Provide more detail where items are significant or may be disputed

Do I need to include assets in my sole name?

Yes.You must disclose all assets, whether they are:

  • In your sole name
  • Held jointly
  • Or assets you believe are “non-matrimonial”

The court will decide how each asset should be treated.

What if I don’t know the exact value of something?

That’s fine. Provide your best estimate and explain how you reached it. If needed, we can help arrange formal valuations, for example, for property or other significant assets.

Do small or minor assets need to be included?

Yes. Everything must be disclosed, even if it seems small or insignificant. Full transparency is required.

What happens after I complete Form E?

Once completed, Form E and the supporting documents are exchanged with the other party and, if applicable, filed with the court. We will then:

  • Review the other party’s Form E
  • Share it with you
  • Identify any gaps or unclear points
  • Raise questions where further information is needed

The other side will do the same with your disclosure.

What if I forget to include something?

Tell us as soon as you realise. Most omissions can be corrected by providing further disclosure. It is always better to update information than leave it incomplete.

Can I update Form E after it’s been submitted?

Yes. You have an ongoing duty to provide full and frank disclosure, even after submission. We don’t usually amend the original Form E itself, but if there are significant changes – such as a new job, bonus, or sale of an asset – you should let us know so the other party can be updated.

 


Speak to our Team

For further help and guidance with completing a Form E Financial Statement, please contact our Family Law team. We’re here to support you throughout the process and answer any questions you may have.

Phone: 023 8063 9311
Email: enquiries@warnergoodman.co.uk

 

To speak to one of our experts please call us