All Legal Journeys
Family Law
England & Wales
6 stages
12–24 months
Reviewed 2026-05-22
Financial remedy journey (divorce)
Financial settlement after divorce — Form A, financial disclosure, FDA, FDR, and final hearing.
This page mainly applies to England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland may have different rules — check the jurisdiction before relying on this information.
Who Uses This Journey
Divorcing spouses (or dissolving civil partners) where finances are not agreed and a court order is needed.
Stage-by-Stage Timeline
1
2
2
Form E disclosure
Both parties complete Form E — full financial disclosure. Strict deadline.
Deadline: Set by court directions
3
3
First Directions Appointment (FDA)
Court identifies issues, valuation needs, expert evidence.
4
4
Financial Dispute Resolution (FDR)
Without-prejudice negotiation hearing before a judge. Most cases settle here.
5
5
Final hearing
If not settled, full hearing with cross-examination. Court applies s.25 MCA 1973 factors.
6
6
Order
Capital, periodical payments, pension sharing, property adjustment, clean break.
Possible Outcomes
- Consent order
- Contested final order