Over the last 30 years we have been involved in the advice, counselling, and ongoing management of the affairs of divorced clients.  In fact, some of our best client relationships have come about directly because of being introduced during a matrimonial break up and have lasted decades.  Our core clients reside in the US, UK, Europe, and the Middle East.

We are adept at removing the stress, worry and anxiety from the financial side of divorce.  We help to strip back the layers of complexity and uncertainty that arise from discussions on financial matters and create a clear, structured, simple financial plan that stands the test of time.

Services include the completion of the Form E, planning for future income, budgeting, audits, asset tracing, tax planning, residency and visa planning, selection and monitoring of the investment manager and other Family Office type services.

Our topic today focuses on the completion of the Form E.‍

Completion of the Form E (financial elements only) ‍

In order to achieve a financial settlement following divorce, it is necessary for both ex-spouses to fully declare their finances by completing a Form E to enable the court to make a financial order.

The purpose of Form E is to provide the court with full details of the financial affairs of both husband and wife (or civil partners) so that they can decide whether to approve the proposed financial order or financial relief.

The completion of the paperwork is relatively straightforward, but the complication is twofold.  The first is the high emotion often attached to such a task (and let’s face it form filling isn’t one of life’s great excitements after all) and secondly it is the understanding of the documents that accompany it, especially if you have little or no financial background.  The list below, whilst not exclusive, gives an idea of what’s involved.

• Property owned (land and buildings) along with details of interests in any other property
• Details of banks, building societies, savings, investment portfolios (including company shares)
• Life insurance policies
• Expensive personal belongings
• Any financial liabilities, eg mortgages, credit cards and other debts
• Business assets and directorships
• Pensions
• Income from employment or self-employment

There is also a section on anticipated financial needs (importantly, including anything in respect of children), and towards the end of Form E is a section where any court orders sought should be stated (if known).

Whilst we can help with the financial aspects of the Form E the legal team will always finalise and complete the rest of the Form E.‍

Fees?‍

Our fees start at £125 per hour (plus VAT) for Form E work and are deliberately priced lower than Legal Partners and Associates to encourage usage of our services from both a cost and time perspective.

Where possible we quote a fixed price for our work and agree on fixed outcomes.

If you have a client who is struggling to complete their Form E or requires our help in understanding their financial position, then please do get in touch.

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Mark Estcourt

CEO