When couples divorce or dissolve a civil partnership, dividing finances fairly is one of the most important – and often complex – parts of the process. To do that properly, the court needs a full picture of each person’s financial situation. That’s where the D81 form comes in.
In this article, we’ll explain exactly what a D81 form is, why it matters for your divorce settlement and how to complete it correctly – along with how to get a free 30-minute consultation with a solicitor to ensure your financial arrangements are legally sound and protect your future.
What is a D81 form?
The D81 form – formally known as the “Statement of Information for a Consent Order in relation to a financial remedy” – is a legal document submitted to the court during divorce or civil partnership dissolution. It provides a detailed snapshot of each party’s financial position and outlines the proposed financial agreement between them.
It’s most commonly used when both parties have reached a financial agreement and are applying for a Consent Order to make it legally binding. The court uses the D81 form to assess whether the agreement is fair and reasonable before approving it.
What does a D81 form include?
Each party must complete their own D81 form, though the forms are usually submitted together. They include the following key information:
- Current income – salary, self-employment income, benefits, pensions
- Capital assets – savings, property, investments, shares
- Liabilities – debts, mortgages, loans
- Pension values – including private and workplace pensions
- Future housing needs
- Details of any children – including where they live and who they live with
- Details of the financial settlement – explaining how assets, pensions and income will be shared or divided
Both parties must sign their own forms, declaring the information is accurate to the best of their knowledge.
Why is the D81 form so important?
1. It helps the court assess fairness
The main purpose of the D81 is to enable the court to decide whether the proposed Consent Order (financial agreement) is fair and should be approved. Judges do not simply rubber-stamp agreements. They review the financial information in the D81 to check that neither party is being exploited or disadvantaged.
If something looks unfair – for example, one party walks away with significantly more while the other has unmet housing needs – the court may refuse to approve the order until more information is provided or the terms are renegotiated.
2. It offers long-term legal protection
Once the court approves the Consent Order, it becomes legally binding. This means that neither party can make further financial claims against the other (unless something significant changes and the court allows it). Without a D81 and Consent Order, financial claims remain open indefinitely – even years after the divorce.
That’s why completing a D81 form and obtaining a Consent Order is crucial, even if your financial split is amicable and agreed.
3. It reduces future disputes
By documenting your financial positions clearly at the time of the divorce, the D81 can help avoid disputes down the line. If one party later tries to challenge the agreement or claim they were misled, the D81 can serve as proof of what was disclosed and agreed.
Do you need a D81 form in every divorce?
Not always – but in most cases where a financial agreement is reached and the parties want to make it legally binding, a D81 form will be required.
You typically need a D81 form when:
- You’re applying for a Consent Order
- You’ve agreed how to split assets, property, savings or pensions
- You want to close off all future financial claims
If you don’t intend to formalise your financial agreement through the courts, a D81 form may not be necessary – but this approach carries significant legal risks.
What if you leave something out?
It’s essential to be honest and thorough when completing the D81 form. If you leave out important information – intentionally or accidentally – the court could:
- Reject your Consent Order
- Reopen your financial settlement later
- Accuse you of attempting to mislead or hide assets
Both parties are expected to make full and frank financial disclosure. If there’s any doubt about the completeness of the D81, it may delay the court process or result in additional scrutiny.
Can the D81 form be used without a solicitor?
Technically, yes – but it’s not advised. While the form may seem straightforward, any mistakes, omissions or unclear explanations can cause delays or raise red flags with the court. Using a family law solicitor ensures:
- Your financial disclosure is complete and accurate
- The D81 reflects your agreement correctly
- Your Consent Order is drafted and submitted properly
Solicitors can also help you negotiate a fair settlement in the first place, ensuring you aren’t agreeing to something that could harm your financial future.
How does the no-fault divorce law affect the D81?
The introduction of no-fault divorce has made the process of ending a marriage less adversarial but it hasn’t changed the rules around financial disclosure. Regardless of why the marriage ended, both parties must still provide full financial information if they want a Consent Order – and that means completing a D81 form.
The 20-week reflection period introduced by the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 gives couples time to consider their future, including agreeing on a financial settlement. Having a solicitor involved early in this process can help ensure any agreement is fair, complete and court-ready.
Get help completing your D81 form
Understanding your financial responsibilities during divorce is essential – and the D81 form plays a vital role in protecting your rights and ensuring your agreement is legally enforceable.
Do you need help from an experienced team of divorce and family law solicitors? We offer a free 30-minute consultation to discuss your case.
Contact us today via the form below, call 0203 983 5080 or email [email protected] to speak with a local divorce solicitor near you. We can speak with you via video call or welcome you to one of our local offices in London (Harrow, Canary Wharf or Piccadilly Circus) or Manchester City Centre.
