What to expect from Form E

  • Form E is a document used by the family court to obtain information as to each person’s income, savings, investments, pension, belongings and property.
  • Form E is a “one size fits all” which is intended to cover all eventualities. Most people will find there is at least one section that does not apply to them.
  • The Form sets out on each page the supporting documents required. Some of these cover a time period, e.g. the last 12 months.
  • It also asks you to predict what your future requirements will be in terms of your budget for day to day living costs, and what you need to set yourself up as a separate person (or with your children) at the end of the marriage e.g. house, car etc. It is quite important to get this right as it can be difficult to justify changes at a later stage.  Often your solicitor can supply you with a schedule of outgoings to prompt you to think of everything.
  • When Form E is ordered to be filed in court proceedings, the aim is to have the supporting evidence as near to the date of filing as possible. For example, a filing date of 10th September would mean including your August payslip.
  • There are some things in a Form E that it is acceptable not to know e.g. the value of a business or the amount of capital gains tax payable on disposal of a rented property.  You can state on the Form that you do not know, and a way of finding out that information can then be agreed upon or ordered by a Judge.
  • Form E carries a statement of truth, which you are asked to sign. It is a serious matter, and can be used against you in negotiations or arguments before a Judge, if it is clear that you have not been honest in the information you have provided in your Form E.  In some circumstances, it could lead to the case being re-opened and the matter being dealt with afresh.

Initial Fixed Fee Consultation

Come and talk to us. You’ll find us empathetic, keen to help and with a wealth of experience. We offer a fixed fee consultation of £120 for the first appointment. You will be advised on the options open to you and the possible outcomes. Our priority is to ensure that you have a clear understanding of the path ahead and the challenges involved in achieving your goals.

Disclaimer: This guide contains general information only and does not constitute legal advice.  You need to consult a suitably qualified lawyer from the firm on any specific legal issue. 

Barr Ellison Law Leading Legal 500 Firm 2024Barr Ellison Law has a small but highly esteemed family, divorce and wealth protection practice, led by Sarah Martin. Her work focuses predominantly on complex financial divorces, both UK and cross-border, and is highly regarded for her experience in private children matters. Associate Karen Anker has vast experience in financial matters, arrangements for children and relocation disputes. She also advises on wealth protection, including pre- and post-marital agreements and cohabitation agreements. The team is praised for ‘the impeccable quality of their work and advice’.
Legal 500 Guide

‘Sarah Martin and Karen Anker provide a top class service at this firm. The quality of their work and advice is, in my view, impeccable.’

‘Sarah Martin really cares about her clients and she does in fact go the extra mile. She has complex work which she handles with real skill and diligence.’

‘A boutique team. Focus on holistic support of client when going through the process of litigation.’

‘Sarah Martin: thinking of every possible avenue a case could travel. Gives unrivalled level of support to clients. Clients always feel they have a team 100% on their side.’

‘A very experienced family team in Sarah Martin and Karen Anker. Both very well respected within the Cambridge family law community and beyond.’

‘Karen Anker is an exceptionally proactive, dedicated and extremely talented family lawyer/collaborative practitioner. Her quick mind, extensive legal knowledge and ability to think outside the box has led to her being respected as one of Cambridge’s finest collaborative practitioners. She will leave no stone unturned in pursuit of the best possible outcome for her clients.’

‘Sarah Martin is a knowledgeable, approachable and empathetic solicitor who is adept at calming any given situation. A versatile practitioner with a gentle manner that hides a steely focus to get the best for her clients.’

‘A very experienced family team in Sarah Martin and Karen Anker. Both very well respected within the Cambridge family law community and beyond.’