Divorce Financial Disclosure UK — Form E Guide 2026

What Is Financial Disclosure in Divorce UK?

Financial disclosure is the legal obligation for both spouses to provide complete, honest information about their financial circumstances during divorce proceedings. This is known as “full and frank disclosure” and is a fundamental requirement of UK family law.

What Is Full and Frank Disclosure?

Full and frank disclosure means you must reveal everything — not just what you think is relevant. This includes all assets (property, savings, investments, pensions, businesses), all debts (mortgages, loans, credit cards), all sources of income (salary, bonuses, dividends, rental income), and all financial interests (trusts, expected inheritances, options).

The duty applies whether you’re negotiating privately, using mediation, or going through court proceedings. Even if you reach an agreement without court involvement, both parties are expected to have made full disclosure for that agreement to be upheld later.

Is Financial Disclosure Mandatory in Divorce UK?

Yes — if you’re applying for a financial order (consent order or contested order), disclosure is mandatory. You cannot get a court-approved financial settlement without it. Even for private agreements, disclosure is strongly expected, and courts may set aside agreements where one party didn’t disclose material information.

Why Early Voluntary Disclosure Matters

Financial disclosure doesn’t have to start in court — and often shouldn’t. Couples who exchange full financial disclosure early, before issuing court proceedings, are far more likely to reach agreement through mediation or direct negotiation. This avoids the cost, stress, and delay of contested financial remedy proceedings, which typically cost £15,000–£30,000+ per person.

Voluntary disclosure carries the same duty of honesty as court-ordered disclosure. A structured financial disclosure document signed with a Statement of Truth demonstrates good faith and creates a foundation for productive negotiation — whether through mediation, solicitor-led negotiation, or direct agreement between the parties.

Divorce Financial Disclosure Template — structured following Form E categories →

Do You Have to Declare All Assets in Divorce?

Yes — you must declare all assets, regardless of whether you believe they’re relevant or “yours alone.” This includes assets in your sole name, assets you owned before marriage, assets held overseas, assets in trusts or family companies, cryptocurrency and digital assets, and any assets you’ve recently transferred or given away.

Can I Get Divorced Without Financial Disclosure UK?

You can obtain a divorce (the legal ending of the marriage) without resolving finances. However, this leaves both parties exposed to future financial claims. Without a financial order, your ex-spouse could make a claim against you years — even decades — later. For this reason, almost all divorces should include a financial order, which requires disclosure.

Do You Have to Show Bank Statements in Divorce in the UK?

Yes — you must provide bank statements as part of financial disclosure. This applies to all accounts: current accounts, savings accounts, joint accounts, business accounts you control, and any accounts in your sole name.

What Bank Statements Are Needed for Divorce UK?

Form E (the standard financial disclosure form) requires the last 12 months of statements for all bank, building society, and savings accounts. This includes current accounts (personal and joint), savings accounts and ISAs, business accounts if you’re a director or sole trader, offshore accounts, and cryptocurrency exchange accounts.

How Far Back Do Bank Statements Go in Divorce UK?

The standard requirement is 12 months. However, if there’s suspicion of hidden assets or unusual transactions, the court can order disclosure going back further — sometimes 3-5 years or more. Large withdrawals, transfers to family members, or unusual spending patterns in the period before or during divorce will be scrutinised.

Can My Spouse See My Bank Statements in Divorce?

Yes — your spouse (or their solicitor) will see your bank statements as part of the disclosure process. This is mutual — you’ll see theirs too. Bank statements are exchanged as part of Form E disclosure and are essential for understanding the true financial picture.

What If My Spouse Won’t Show Their Bank Statements?

If your spouse refuses to provide bank statements, you can apply to the court for an order compelling disclosure. The court takes non-disclosure seriously and can draw adverse inferences against someone who refuses to comply — meaning the court may assume they’re hiding something and make decisions accordingly. Costs orders can also be made against the non-disclosing party.

Are Joint Account Statements Shared Automatically?

Joint account holders each have the right to request statements from the bank. You can obtain statements for any joint account without your spouse’s permission. For your spouse’s sole accounts, you’ll receive them through the formal disclosure process.

Do I Need to Show Credit Card Statements in Divorce UK?

Yes — credit card statements are required to show your liabilities (debts) and also your spending patterns. Form E requires 12 months of statements for all credit cards, store cards, and other revolving credit facilities.

What Is Form E in Divorce UK?

Form E is the standard financial statement used in divorce proceedings in England and Wales. It’s a detailed questionnaire that captures your complete financial picture — assets, debts, income, expenses, and pension entitlements.

How to Fill in Form E Financial Disclosure

Form E is divided into sections covering:

• Section 1: Personal details (names, addresses, employment)
• Section 2: Financial details (income, including employment, self-employment, benefits)
• Section 3: Assets (property, bank accounts, investments, policies, business interests)
• Section 4: Pensions (all pension arrangements with Cash Equivalent Transfer Values)
• Section 5: Liabilities (mortgages, loans, credit cards, other debts)
• Section 6: Other financial information (trusts, expected inheritance, assets disposed of)
• Section 7: Income needs (budget for yourself and children)
• Section 8: Capital needs (housing, lump sum requirements)
• Section 9: Summary of assets and income

What Documents Do I Need for Form E?

Form E must be supported by documentary evidence including 12 months of bank statements (all accounts), 12 months of payslips or accounts if self-employed, P60s for the last two years, mortgage statements, pension valuations (CETVs), property valuations, business accounts (if applicable), and tax returns (if self-employed).

Do Both Parties Have to Fill in Form E?

Yes — if you’re in financial remedy proceedings, both parties must complete and exchange Form E. This happens simultaneously, so neither party sees the other’s disclosure before submitting their own.

Can I Fill in Form E Without a Solicitor?

Yes — you can complete Form E yourself (as a litigant in person). However, Form E is detailed and mistakes can be costly. Many people use structured disclosure templates to organise their financial information before deciding whether court proceedings — and therefore official Form E — are even necessary. If court proceedings are issued, having your finances already organised makes completing the official form significantly easier.

What Is the Deadline for Form E in Divorce UK?

In court proceedings, the deadline is set by court directions — typically 35 days before the First Appointment. Missing this deadline can result in your case being struck out or costs orders against you. If you’re exchanging voluntarily (outside court), you and your spouse agree the timeline.

What Happens If You Lie on Form E?

Form E contains a statement of truth that you sign, confirming the information is accurate. Lying on Form E is perjury and contempt of court. Consequences include the settlement being set aside and reopened, costs orders against you, fines, and in serious cases, imprisonment.

What Is Form E1 in Divorce?

Form E1 is an abbreviated version of Form E used for simpler cases, typically where the only significant assets are the family home and pensions, and the issues are straightforward. It requires less documentation but still demands full disclosure of all material facts.

Do I Need Form E for Financial Disclosure?

Form E is only compulsory when financial remedy proceedings have been issued in court. For voluntary disclosure — including mediation, solicitor-led negotiations, and preparation for consent orders — a structured financial disclosure document covering the same categories is widely accepted.

Many couples complete full financial disclosure without ever filing Form E. If both parties disclose voluntarily and reach agreement, they can proceed directly to a consent order without contested court proceedings. The key requirement is that disclosure is full, frank, and honest — not that it’s on the official Form E document.

A structured disclosure that mirrors Form E categories and includes a signed Statement of Truth provides the same transparency and accountability. If court proceedings later become necessary, the work is already done — transferring organised disclosure into the official Form E format is straightforward.

Divorce Financial Disclosure Template — covers every Form E category with Statement of Truth →

Is It Illegal to Hide Assets in Divorce in the UK?

Yes — hiding assets during divorce is illegal. It constitutes contempt of court (if proceedings have begun) and can amount to fraud. The duty of full and frank disclosure is legally enforceable, and deliberately concealing assets is a serious breach.

What Counts as Hiding Assets in Divorce?

Hiding assets includes failing to declare bank accounts or savings, undervaluing property or businesses, transferring assets to family members or friends, creating false debts to reduce net worth, moving money offshore, converting assets to cryptocurrency to conceal them, and “forgetting” to mention investments, pensions, or other assets.

Penalty for Hiding Assets in Divorce UK

Consequences for hiding assets include:

• Settlement set aside: The financial order can be reopened and the case reheard
• Costs orders: You pay your spouse’s legal costs (potentially tens of thousands of pounds)
• Adverse inferences: Court assumes the worst about your finances
• Contempt of court: Fines and up to 2 years imprisonment
• Perjury charges: Criminal prosecution for lying under oath

Can You Go to Jail for Hiding Assets in Divorce UK?

Yes — in serious cases. Contempt of court can result in imprisonment of up to 2 years. While jail sentences are relatively rare, they do happen in cases of deliberate, significant concealment. More commonly, the court imposes substantial costs orders and reopens the settlement.

How Do Courts Find Hidden Assets in Divorce UK?

Courts have various tools to uncover hidden assets. Bank statements showing unexplained withdrawals or transfers, lifestyle that doesn’t match declared income, tips from third parties, forensic accountants examining business and personal accounts, court orders requiring disclosure from banks and other institutions, and cross-examination at hearings where inconsistencies are exposed.

Can a Forensic Accountant Find Hidden Money in Divorce?

Yes — forensic accountants specialise in tracing assets and identifying financial irregularities. They can analyse bank statements for suspicious patterns, trace money through multiple accounts, value businesses and identify hidden income, investigate cryptocurrency holdings, and identify lifestyle inconsistencies. While expensive, forensic accountants are often worth the cost if significant concealment is suspected.

What If My Spouse Is Hiding Cryptocurrency in Divorce?

Cryptocurrency must be disclosed like any other asset. While crypto can be harder to trace than traditional assets, courts are increasingly sophisticated about digital assets. Forensic specialists can trace blockchain transactions, and failure to disclose crypto holdings is treated the same as hiding any other asset.

What Happens If Assets Are Discovered After Divorce Settlement UK?

If hidden assets are discovered after a final order, you can apply to the court to set aside the order and reopen the case. The leading case is Sharland v Sharland [2015], where the Supreme Court confirmed that fraud (including non-disclosure) vitiates (invalidates) consent. There’s no time limit for this if fraud can be proven.

Is Transferring Money Before Divorce Illegal UK?

Transferring assets to defeat a spouse’s claim can be challenged under section 37 of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973. The court can set aside transactions made with the intention of defeating a claim for financial relief. Transfers to family members in the period before or during divorce will be scrutinised closely.

Is My Wife Entitled to Half My Savings in the UK?

Not automatically — there’s no rule that savings must be split 50/50. However, savings accumulated during the marriage are generally considered matrimonial assets and will be divided as part of the overall settlement. The split depends on multiple factors, not a fixed formula.

Are Savings Split 50/50 in Divorce UK?

No — while 50/50 is often the starting point for longer marriages, the actual division depends on the needs of both parties and any children, the length of the marriage, each party’s earning capacity, contributions (financial and non-financial), and the overall asset pot. A spouse with primary care of children may receive more than 50% to meet housing and income needs.

Is My Husband Entitled to My Savings UK?

The same principles apply regardless of gender. Savings accumulated during the marriage are generally matrimonial assets. However, the actual division depends on all the circumstances — it’s not automatic that either spouse gets half.

Is My Ex Entitled to Half My Pension UK?

Pensions are often the most valuable asset after the family home and must be disclosed and considered. Options include pension sharing (splitting the pension), pension offsetting (one keeps pension, other gets more of other assets), or pension attachment (payments from one pension to the other). The exact division depends on the overall settlement.

Are Inheritances Included in Divorce Settlements UK?

Inheritances can be included, but they’re often treated differently from assets earned during the marriage. Key factors include whether the inheritance was received during the marriage, whether it’s been mixed with matrimonial assets, the length of time since receipt, and the needs of both parties. See the section below on protected assets for more detail.

Is Money Earned Before Marriage Protected UK?

Pre-marital assets are sometimes ring-fenced, particularly in shorter marriages. However, in longer marriages, the distinction between pre-marital and marital assets often diminishes. If pre-marital money has been mixed with marital funds (e.g., used to buy the family home), it may be treated as matrimonial.

Is My Wife Entitled to Half My House UK?

The family home is typically treated as a matrimonial asset regardless of whose name is on the title. How it’s divided depends on the needs of both parties and any children, whether one party needs to remain in the home (e.g., for children’s stability), each party’s ability to rehouse themselves, and the overall financial settlement.

Are Bonuses Included in Divorce Financial Settlement UK?

Yes — bonuses are income and must be disclosed. Regular bonuses are typically included in the calculation of ongoing income. One-off or discretionary bonuses received during the marriage form part of the asset pot. Future bonuses may also be considered if they’re reasonably certain.

Is My Redundancy Payment Included in Divorce UK?

Redundancy payments received during the marriage are generally considered matrimonial assets. If you know redundancy is coming, this must be disclosed. The payment will form part of the asset pot to be divided.

Are ISAs Split in Divorce UK?

Yes — ISAs are assets and must be disclosed. They’re treated the same as any other savings or investments. The tax-efficient wrapper doesn’t provide protection from division in divorce.

What Money Can’t Be Touched in a Divorce?

While all assets must be disclosed, some may be treated as “non-matrimonial” and potentially excluded from division. However, nothing is absolutely protected — the court’s overriding concern is meeting needs, which can override any ring-fencing.

What Assets Are Protected in Divorce UK?

Assets more likely to be ring-fenced include pre-marital assets (assets owned before the marriage), inheritances (particularly if received recently and kept separate), gifts from third parties (if kept separate from marital assets), personal injury compensation (the element compensating for pain and future needs), and assets in certain trusts (though this is complex).

What Is Non-Matrimonial Property in Divorce?

Non-matrimonial property is property that didn’t arise from the marital partnership. This typically includes assets brought into the marriage, inheritances, and gifts from family. However, if these assets have been mingled with marital assets (e.g., used to buy the family home or put into a joint account), the distinction may be lost.

Can I Protect My Inheritance in Divorce UK?

Inheritances are more likely to be ring-fenced if kept completely separate from marital assets, not used to fund family expenses or buy the family home, received recently (rather than early in a long marriage), and there are sufficient other assets to meet needs. However, if there aren’t enough assets to meet both parties’ needs, even an inheritance may be divided.

Is a Trust Protected from Divorce UK?

It depends on the trust structure. Discretionary trusts (where you have no automatic entitlement) offer more protection, but courts can still consider trust assets as a financial resource. If you’re a trustee or beneficiary, you must disclose this. Courts can consider what distributions you might reasonably expect from the trust.

Are Gifts from Parents Protected in Divorce UK?

Gifts follow similar principles to inheritances — they’re more likely to be protected if kept separate and not mingled with marital assets. However, gifts used for joint benefit (e.g., house deposit) may be treated as matrimonial.

Is Money I Had Before Marriage Protected in Divorce UK?

Pre-marital assets may be ring-fenced, particularly in shorter marriages. However, in longer marriages (typically 10+ years), the distinction often diminishes. If pre-marital money has been mixed with marital funds, it’s harder to separate.

Can a Prenup Protect My Savings in Divorce UK?

Prenuptial agreements are not automatically binding in England and Wales, but courts give them significant weight if both parties had independent legal advice, there was full financial disclosure, the agreement was entered freely without pressure, the terms are fair, and circumstances haven’t changed significantly (e.g., birth of children). A well-drafted prenup can help protect pre-marital assets and inheritances. See our prenuptial agreement guide for details.

Are Personal Injury Payments Split in Divorce UK?

Personal injury compensation is often treated differently. The element compensating for pain, suffering, and future care needs may be ring-fenced. However, the element compensating for lost earnings during the marriage may be treated as matrimonial.

Can I Protect My Pension from Divorce UK?

Pensions are matrimonial assets and must be disclosed. While you can argue for pension offsetting (keeping your pension but giving up other assets), there’s no way to completely protect a pension from being considered in the settlement.

What Happens to the Family Home in Divorce UK?

The family home is usually the most significant asset and the most emotionally charged. How it’s dealt with depends on the needs of both parties and any children, available resources, and the overall financial settlement.

Does My Wife Get Half My House in Divorce UK?

Not necessarily — while the family home is typically treated as matrimonial property, the actual division depends on all the circumstances. The primary carer of children may need to remain in the home. One party may “buy out” the other’s share. The house may be sold and proceeds divided. The split might not be 50/50 if needs require otherwise.

Can I Keep My House in Divorce UK?

Possibly — options include buying out your spouse’s share (paying them their share of equity), offsetting (keeping the house but giving up other assets like pension share), and a Mesher order (delaying sale until a trigger event, like children finishing school). Whether you can keep the house depends on your ability to afford the mortgage alone and whether there are sufficient other assets.

Can I Be Forced to Sell My House in Divorce UK?

Yes — if there’s no other way to achieve a fair settlement, the court can order sale. This is more likely if neither party can afford to buy the other out, the equity is needed to rehouse both parties, and there are no children whose stability requires remaining in the home.

Can My Ex Claim My House After Divorce UK?

If you obtained a clean break financial order, your ex cannot make future claims. However, if you divorced without a financial order, claims remain possible indefinitely. This is why a financial order is essential — it provides finality.

Is Property Split 50/50 in Divorce UK?

No automatic rule — the starting point for longer marriages may be 50/50, but the actual division depends on needs. A parent with primary care of children may receive more to ensure adequate housing for the children.

Can I Buy a House During Divorce Proceedings UK?

You can, but proceed cautiously. Any property purchased during proceedings must be disclosed. Using marital funds for a deposit may be challenged. The new property may be considered as part of your resources. It’s generally advisable to wait until the financial order is finalised.

How Are Pensions Split in Divorce UK?

Pensions are often the second most valuable asset after the family home and must be properly valued and considered. There are three main options for dealing with pensions in divorce.

What Is a Pension Sharing Order in Divorce?

Pension sharing transfers a percentage of one spouse’s pension to the other, creating a separate pension pot for the receiving spouse. This provides a clean break — each party has their own pension going forward. The percentage shared is negotiated or decided by the court.

Is My Wife Entitled to My Pension in Divorce UK?

Pensions built up during the marriage are generally matrimonial assets and will be considered in the settlement. The exact treatment depends on the overall financial picture and both parties’ needs. Options include sharing, offsetting, or attachment.

What Is a CETV in Divorce?

CETV (Cash Equivalent Transfer Value) is the pension scheme’s valuation of your pension for transfer purposes. It’s required for Form E disclosure. Request CETVs from all pension providers — they must provide them free of charge for divorce purposes.

How Long Does a Pension Valuation Take for Divorce?

Pension schemes must provide a CETV within 3 months of request, but most provide them within 4-6 weeks. Request early as pension valuations can delay proceedings. Some complex pensions (like final salary schemes) may require additional expert valuation.

Is My State Pension Included in Divorce UK?

The state pension cannot be shared directly — pension sharing orders only apply to private and occupational pensions. However, state pension entitlement can be considered as part of the overall income picture. If one party has significantly higher state pension entitlement, this may affect how other assets are divided.

Are Workplace Pensions Split in Divorce UK?

Yes — all pensions must be disclosed and can be subject to pension sharing orders. This includes defined contribution (money purchase) pensions, defined benefit (final salary) pensions, personal pensions and SIPPs, and additional voluntary contributions (AVCs).

Pension Offsetting vs Pension Sharing

Pension offsetting means one party keeps their pension but gives up other assets (e.g., more of the house equity) to compensate. This avoids the complexity of pension sharing but may not be fair if the pension is particularly valuable or one party needs retirement provision.

Is My Business Included in Divorce UK?

Yes — business interests must be disclosed and valued. Whether you’re a sole trader, partner, or company director, your business is an asset that forms part of the matrimonial pot.

How Are Businesses Valued in Divorce UK?

Business valuation is complex and often requires expert input. Methods include asset valuation (value of business assets minus liabilities), earnings valuation (multiple of annual profits), and market valuation (what a buyer would pay). The appropriate method depends on the business type. Professional valuations can be expensive but are often necessary for significant businesses.

Can My Spouse Claim Half My Business in Divorce UK?

Not literally half — courts don’t typically order the sale of a viable business or transfer shares to a non-working spouse. However, the business value is considered, and your spouse may receive a larger share of other assets (house, savings, pension) to compensate for your business interest.

Do I Have to Disclose Business Accounts in Divorce?

Yes — if you own or control a business, you must disclose business accounts (typically 3 years), management accounts, tax returns, bank statements for business accounts, details of dividends and drawings, and any loans to/from the business.

Is Self-Employment Income Assessed Differently in Divorce UK?

Self-employed income can be more complex to assess than PAYE income. Courts look at actual drawings/dividends taken, profit retained in the business, historical income patterns, and future earning capacity. Attempts to suppress income by leaving profits in the company will be scrutinised.

Is My Business Protected from Divorce UK?

Businesses aren’t automatically protected, but courts recognise that forcing sale of a viable business benefits no one. Typical outcomes include offsetting (keeping the business but giving up other assets), deferred lump sum (payment over time from business profits), or spousal maintenance (ongoing payments from business income).

What Is a Consent Order in Divorce UK?

A consent order is a court order that formalises the financial agreement you’ve reached with your spouse. It’s approved by a judge and becomes legally binding — providing certainty and preventing future claims.

Do I Need a Consent Order If We Agree on Finances?

Strongly recommended — without a consent order, both parties retain the right to make financial claims in the future, even years after divorce. A consent order provides a clean break, preventing future claims, legal protection (it’s enforceable if breached), and certainty for both parties.

What Is a Clean Break Order in Divorce?

A clean break order dismisses all future claims between the parties. Neither can make financial claims against the other after the order is made. This is the goal for most divorces — complete financial separation allowing both to move on independently.

Can a Financial Settlement Be Reopened After Divorce UK?

Generally no — a properly made consent order is final. However, it can be reopened if there was fraud or non-disclosure (hidden assets), there’s been a significant change in circumstances (very limited grounds), or it was procedurally defective. The case of Sharland v Sharland [2015] confirmed that fraud vitiates consent — if your spouse hid assets, the order can be set aside.

How Long After Divorce Can You Claim Financially UK?

If there’s no financial order, claims can be made at any time — even decades later. Famous cases have seen claims made 15-20 years after divorce. This is why a financial order is essential. Once a clean break order is made, claims are dismissed permanently.

What Happens If There Is No Financial Order After Divorce UK?

Both parties remain financially connected indefinitely. Either could make a claim years later if their circumstances change. This creates ongoing risk for both parties and should be avoided by obtaining a consent order even if you have no assets to divide.

How Does Financial Disclosure Support a Consent Order?

When applying for a consent order, both parties must file a D81 Statement of Information confirming their financial positions. Having already completed thorough financial disclosure — with a signed Statement of Truth — makes this process significantly smoother. The detailed work of gathering documents, valuing assets, and recording liabilities is already done. This is one reason why early, structured disclosure often leads to faster and less expensive consent order applications.

How Long Does Financial Disclosure Take in Divorce UK?

The timeline depends on whether you’re disclosing voluntarily (outside court) or through formal court proceedings. Voluntary disclosure is typically faster but requires cooperation from both parties.

Voluntary Disclosure Timeline

If both parties cooperate, voluntary disclosure can be completed in 4-8 weeks. This involves agreeing what documents to exchange, gathering documents (bank statements, payslips, pension valuations), exchanging completed forms and documents, and reviewing and asking follow-up questions.

Starting disclosure early — before positions harden and emotions escalate — significantly increases the chances of reaching agreement without court. Couples who exchange structured financial disclosure voluntarily often resolve finances through mediation or direct negotiation, bypassing contested proceedings entirely.

Court-Ordered Disclosure Timeline

In formal financial remedy proceedings, the timeline is set by court directions. Typically Form E exchange happens 35 days before First Appointment, questionnaires are exchanged after Form E review, and replies to questionnaires are due before the FDR hearing. The entire financial remedy process typically takes 9-12 months from application to final order.

How Much Does Financial Disclosure Cost in Divorce UK?

Costs vary significantly depending on complexity. DIY disclosure using a structured template has minimal cost — you gather the documents yourself and organise them into the correct categories. Solicitor-assisted disclosure typically costs £1,000-£5,000 per party for straightforward cases. Complex cases (businesses, multiple properties, suspected hidden assets) can cost £10,000-£50,000+ per party including forensic accountants and expert valuations.

Nobody knows your finances better than you. The bulk of disclosure work — gathering bank statements, obtaining pension valuations, listing assets and debts — is your work regardless of whether you pay a solicitor or do it yourself. A structured template helps you organise this information properly so nothing gets missed.

Divorce Financial Disclosure Template — organise your finances following Form E categories →

Can I Do My Own Financial Disclosure Without a Solicitor?

Yes — many people complete disclosure themselves. Form E and guidance are available on the government website. For voluntary disclosure outside court, structured templates covering the same categories provide a clear framework for organising your financial information. Consider professional help for complex assets, business interests, or if you suspect hidden assets.

What Is a First Appointment in Divorce Financial Proceedings?

The First Appointment is a court hearing (typically 30-60 minutes) where the judge reviews what disclosure has been provided, orders further disclosure if needed, gives directions for the next steps, and may refer the case to mediation or FDR.

What Is an FDR Hearing in Divorce UK?

FDR (Financial Dispute Resolution) is a court hearing designed to help parties settle. The judge gives an indication of likely outcomes if the case went to final hearing. This indication is “off the record” and can’t be used if the case proceeds. Most cases settle at or shortly after FDR.

Do I Have to Disclose My New Partner’s Income in Divorce UK?

You don’t have to fully disclose a new partner’s finances, but you must disclose if they’re contributing to your household expenses (reducing your needs) and if you’re cohabiting (affecting your living costs). Their income may indirectly affect the settlement by reducing your demonstrated need.