Financial proceedings, step by step
A clear, calm walk through dividing money, property, and pensions after divorce. Five stages, what each one means, and what it actually costs.
See the full processYour financial timeline
- 1File Form A
- 2Complete Form E
- 3FDA hearing
- 4FDR hearing
- 5Final hearing
Typically 6 to 12 months. Most settle at step 4.
Before you start
The divorce ends the marriage. It does not divide your money, property, or pensions. That needs a separate financial order from the court. Without one, your ex can come back years later and make a claim. This page walks you through the court process for getting that order, in plain English, so you know what is coming and why.
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File Form A
Financial proceedings start when one party files a Form A with the court. It tells the court you want financial matters resolved, and you can file any time after the divorce application has been submitted. The court fee is £313, and help with fees is available on form EX160 if you are on a low income.
Application for financial order
Applicant
Respondent
Case number
Complete Form E
Once Form A is filed, both parties must complete Form E: a detailed financial disclosure covering everything you own, owe, earn, and spend. This is the most important document in the process. You typically have around 8 weeks to complete it, and full, honest disclosure is not optional. Hiding assets can undo any agreement reached.
Form E · financial statement
Financial disclosure
Form E
First Directions Appointment (FDA)
The FDA is the first court hearing, usually 12 to 16 weeks after Form A is filed. It is procedural, not a negotiation. The judge checks that both parties have provided proper disclosure, identifies gaps, and sets a timetable. If valuations are needed for pensions, property, or a business, the judge will order them here.
First hearing
Hearing 1 of 3
FDA
First Directions Appointment
The judge will:
• Check disclosure is complete
• Order any valuations needed
• Set the timetable
Financial Dispute Resolution (FDR)
This is the key hearing. A judge reads both positions and gives an informal indication of what they think the court would order. It is not binding, but it is extremely influential, and most cases settle at or shortly after this stage. Both sides can speak freely because the FDR is "without prejudice": nothing said here can be used at a final hearing.
Key hearing
Hearing 2 of 3
FDR
Financial Dispute Resolution
Without prejudice: what is said at the FDR stays at the FDR. A different judge hears any final hearing.
Final hearing (if needed)
If the case still cannot be resolved, it goes to a final hearing. A different judge hears the evidence, both parties present their cases, and the judge makes a binding order. This is the most expensive and stressful stage, used only as a last resort.
Last resort
Hearing 3 of 3
Final hearing
A binding court decision
A different judge from the FDR. Both parties present evidence. The judge makes the order.
What the court considers
The court has wide discretion when dividing assets. The starting point is generally equal division, but the court will depart from equality where fairness requires it. The factors include income and earning capacity, financial needs, the standard of living during the marriage, the ages of the parties, the duration of the marriage, any disability, and the contributions each party has made, including non-financial contributions such as childcare. The first priority is always meeting the needs of any children.
Key factors
- ✓Children's needs first
- ✓Income and earning capacity
- ✓Financial needs
- ✓Standard of living
- ✓Duration of marriage
- ✓Contributions (inc. childcare)
- ✓Clean break where possible
Always get a consent order
If you and your ex can agree how to divide finances, you should get that agreement turned into a consent order: a legally binding document approved by the court. It costs £60 to file. Without one, either party can make financial claims against the other at any time in the future, even years after the divorce. This is one of the most dangerous misconceptions in family law.
Two very different things
Informal deal
Not enforceable
Consent order
Legally binding
SEAL
Consent order
Claims closed permanently
Ways to reach agreement
You can reach agreement through direct negotiation, through solicitors, through mediation, or through collaborative law. However you get there, the final step is always the same: a consent order filed with the court. Before applying to court you must normally attend a MIAM unless an exemption applies.
Routes to agreement
What it costs
The court fees are fixed. The variable costs are professional fees for things like pension and property valuations, which the court may order during the process. If you reach agreement early, the total cost can be very low. If the case goes to a contested final hearing, legal fees alone can reach tens of thousands per person.
Typical costs
Why this is different
The usual story
You google "financial proceedings - The legal process for dividing money, property, pensions, and other assets after divorce. Also called financial proceedings or ancillary relief. divorce" and end up buried in legal jargon. Nobody explains what actually happens at each hearing. The fees are scattered across ten different pages. You still do not know what to do first.
How we do it
We tell you the five stages in order, exactly what each costs, and where people typically trip up. We do not sell you a service. We tell you when you can do it yourself and when you genuinely need a solicitor - A lawyer who manages your case day to day, handles paperwork, gives legal advice, and instructs a barrister when needed. Unlike barristers, solicitors deal with you directly and handle the ongoing relationship..
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Other guides
Pensions on divorce
How pensions are valued and divided. Often the single largest asset in a marriage, and the easiest one to miss.
Your home on divorce
Options for the family home: sell, transfer, Mesher order - A court order that defers the sale of the family home until a specific event, such as the youngest child turning 18. Both parties retain an interest in the property and share the proceeds when it is eventually sold., or deferred sale. What each one means for you.
This tool provides procedural information for England and Wales. It is not legal advice. If you need advice about your specific situation, speak to a solicitor or contact Citizens Advice - A national charity offering free, confidential advice on legal, financial, and other problems. They have local offices across England and Wales..