Form A — Notice of Intention to Proceed with an Application for a Financial Order
Starts financial remedy proceedings in the Family Court following separation or divorce, covering division of assets, property, pensions, and maintenance.
Who uses this form
Either spouse or civil partner who wishes the court to make a financial order following divorce or dissolution. Can be filed before or after decree nisi/conditional order.
When to use it
File when financial negotiations have broken down or you need a court order to achieve a clean break. A Form E (financial statement) must be exchanged 35 days after the first appointment.
Where to file
Family Court at the court dealing with the divorce. Apply via MyHMCTS if registered.
Court fee
£303 (as of April 2025).
Fee remission
Help with Fees (EX160) available.
Common mistakes to avoid
Filing Form A before the divorce petition is issued — financial remedy proceedings require an existing divorce/dissolution
Not serving Form A on the other party — the applicant must serve a sealed copy
Confusing Form A with Form E — Form A starts proceedings; Form E is the detailed financial disclosure statement
Missing the 35-day deadline for exchanging Form E after the first appointment direction
Not considering pension sharing/offsetting — pension assets must be disclosed fully
Related Guides
Related Letter Templates
Official source
Download / view form on GOV.UK or HMCTSAlways download forms directly from official government sources. Third-party copies may be outdated.