How long does the financial remedy process usually take?

The financial remedy process typically takes between 12 and 24 months. This timeline applies to divorcing spouses or dissolving civil partners where financial matters are not agreed and a court order is required to resolve the dispute.

What form do I need to start the financial remedy process?

To start the process, you must apply to the court using Form A. This application requests a financial remedy and involves a fee of £313. This is the initial step required when finances are not agreed and court intervention is necessary.

What is Form E and when do I need to submit it?

Both parties are required to complete Form E, which involves full financial disclosure. The court sets a strict deadline for this submission. This step ensures both sides provide complete financial information before the court identifies specific issues or valuation needs.

What happens at the First Directions Appointment?

The First Directions Appointment (FDA) is a court hearing where the judge identifies the key issues in the case. During this appointment, the court determines any necessary valuations and decides if expert evidence is required to assist in resolving the financial dispute.

What is a Financial Dispute Resolution hearing?

The Financial Dispute Resolution (FDR) hearing is a without-prejudice negotiation session held before a judge. It is designed to help parties reach an agreement. The majority of financial remedy cases are settled at this stage, avoiding the need for a final hearing.

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

Form A

Apply to court for financial remedy. £313 fee.

Forms at This Stage

FORM A

Form E disclosure

Both parties complete Form E — full financial disclosure. Strict deadline.

Deadline: Set by court directions

First Directions Appointment (FDA)

Court identifies issues, valuation needs, expert evidence.

Financial Dispute Resolution (FDR)

Without-prejudice negotiation hearing before a judge. Most cases settle here.

Final hearing

If not settled, full hearing with cross-examination. Court applies s.25 MCA 1973 factors.

Order

Capital, periodical payments, pension sharing, property adjustment, clean break.

Possible Outcomes

Consent order
Contested final order

Official Sources

Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 s.25

Frequently asked questions

How long does the financial remedy process usually take?: The financial remedy process typically takes between 12 and 24 months. This timeline applies to divorcing spouses or dissolving civil partners where financial matters are not agreed and a court order is required to resolve the dispute.
What form do I need to start the financial remedy process?: To start the process, you must apply to the court using Form A. This application requests a financial remedy and involves a fee of £313. This is the initial step required when finances are not agreed and court intervention is necessary.
What is Form E and when do I need to submit it?: Both parties are required to complete Form E, which involves full financial disclosure. The court sets a strict deadline for this submission. This step ensures both sides provide complete financial information before the court identifies specific issues or valuation needs.
What happens at the First Directions Appointment?: The First Directions Appointment (FDA) is a court hearing where the judge identifies the key issues in the case. During this appointment, the court determines any necessary valuations and decides if expert evidence is required to assist in resolving the financial dispute.
What is a Financial Dispute Resolution hearing?: The Financial Dispute Resolution (FDR) hearing is a without-prejudice negotiation session held before a judge. It is designed to help parties reach an agreement. The majority of financial remedy cases are settled at this stage, avoiding the need for a final hearing.