Form D81 is required in financial remedy proceedings in England and Wales. It provides the court with a snapshot of both parties’ financial positions before approving a legally binding consent order. Without it, the court cannot formalise your financial agreement.

 

Why Do I Need Form D81?

If you and your ex-partner have reached a financial agreement and want it to be legally binding, you’ll need to submit Form D81. It ensures full disclosure of:

• Assets and property

• Income and employment

• Debts and liabilities

• Pensions and future financial needs

No disclosure = no approval.

 

Do I Have to Complete Form D81?

Yes, in most cases. You’ll need it if:

• You're applying for a financial remedy order by consent during divorce

• You’re finalising a financial agreement before the divorce is complete

• You're dissolving a civil partnership

• You're involved in any formal financial remedy process

 

What Does Form D81 Cover?

1. Personal details – names, addresses, children

2. Current capital and income – savings, property, pensions, earnings

3. Proposed division – how assets and income will be split

4. Future needs – housing, childcare, spousal support

5. Pensions – valuations and sharing arrangements

6. Other relevant info – new relationships, property transfers, mortgage notifications

 

Example of a Completed D81 Form

Line 8 – Capital Before Agreement

• Applicant: £145,000 in property equity + £35,000 in savings

• Respondent: £95,000 in property equity + £15,000 in an ISA

Line 10 – Capital After Agreement

• Applicant: £110,000 in new property equity (after selling the marital home)

• Respondent: £125,000 (retaining the house and 65% of pension assets)

Line 11 – Income After Agreement

• Applicant: £1,400 salary + £350 spousal maintenance per month

• Respondent: £3,100 salary per month

Final Section – Statement of Truth
Both parties sign to confirm the accuracy of their financial disclosures. False or incomplete information can invalidate the consent order and lead to legal consequences.

 

Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out Form D81

• Gather documents – bank statements, pension valuations, payslips, mortgage info

• Use UK currency – all figures in pounds, dated clearly (e.g. “as at 31 October 2025”)

• Be honest – hidden assets can lead to contempt of court

• Complete each section – capital, income, liabilities, future needs

• Include spousal maintenance, childcare, education costs

• Sign the statement of truth

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip Form D81 if we’ve agreed informally?
No. The court still requires Form D81 to issue a consent order.

What if circumstances change after submission?
You must disclose any changes. The court may reopen the case if new information emerges.

What if I’m worried about an unfair split?
Transparency is key. Deliberate underreporting can result in penalties or contempt proceedings.

 

How Form D81 Fits into Financial Remedy Proceedings

1. Submit Form D81 – summary of financial positions

2. Use Form E if detailed disclosure is needed

3. Negotiate or mediate

4. Draft and submit the consent order

5. Court reviews D81 and supporting documents

6. Consent order becomes legally binding

 

Why Accurate Financial Disclosure Matters

• Prevents future disputes

• Speeds up court approval

• Avoids rescinded orders

• In 2024, financial remedy applications rose by 7% (11,868 cases)

• Contested cases nearly doubled to 10,300 in 2024

 

Form D81 vs Form E

Form D81 is used when both parties agree and want a consent order. It summarises income, assets, debts, and pensions.
Form E is for contested proceedings and provides full financial disclosure.

If you’re in agreement, Form D81 is usually sufficient—provided it’s completed clearly and honestly.

 

Tips for Completing Form D81

• Be consistent – figures before and after must align

• Explain your reasoning – show why the split is fair

• List all liabilities – loans, credit cards, vehicle finance

• Include new relationships – transparency is essential

• Timestamp everything – “As at 31 October 2025”

 

What Happens After Submission?

1. Court reviews Form D81 and the proposed consent order

2. If satisfied, the court issues a financial consent order

3. Your agreement becomes legally binding

No court order = no enforceability.

 

Why Legal Advice Matters

Pensions are often overlooked but can be more valuable than the family home. A solicitor ensures:

• Key assets are accounted for

• Future financial needs are clearly presented

• Spousal maintenance is properly addressed

• Mistakes are avoided, preventing delays or disputes

 

Need Help with Form D81?

Laurence Holmes Solicitors are trusted family lawyers near Bristol, supporting clients across:

• Bristol

• Weston-Super-Mare

• Clevedon

• Yatton

• Congresbury

• North Somerset

We specialise in divorce, financial remedy proceedings, and consent orders. If you need expert help completing Form D81, get in touch today.

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