What is a D81 Form? A Simple Guide for Couples
What is a D81 Form? A Simple Guide for Couples
Ending a marriage or civil partnership is emotionally draining. Many couples in places like Stevenage, Peterborough, or Watford often reach the point where they agree on how to divide their money, assets, home, or pensions. That's where knowing what a D81 form comes in. A D81 is the official document submitted to the court when asking for a consent order; the D81 basically confirms to the family court that your financial agreement is fair and transparent.
As a solicitor helping hundreds of couples at this stage, we know most people want transparency, not a legal glossary. This guide will break down what the form means, why it matters, and how to fill it in correctly. Depending on your searches, you might also refer to it as the D18 form (which is often searched incorrectly). Either way, this blog focuses on the proper process and steps to get it right.
Should you reside in Stevenage, Peterborough, or Watford and wish to process a separation safely and fairly,
Fosters Legal Solicitors in the UK is there to guide you every step of the way.
What is the D81 Form?
When two individuals come to an agreement to end their marriage or civil partnership, one of the most significant issues is the order making their financial agreement legally binding. The D81 form is the document that will achieve this. It is a financial statement required by the family court when you apply for a consent order, which is the legal procedure that confirms how you have agreed to divide the money, property, pensions, and other assets. You can find that official form and its official guidance on GOV.UK.
Important: The D18 form is not the financial statement, so do not confuse them.
At
Fosters Legal, we assist our clients in Stevenage, Peterborough, and Watford in completing this form and reviewing the completed form to ensure it is correct before submitting. In the next section, we will look at what is contained in the D81 form and how to fill it out to ensure it is completed correctly
What Does D81 Form Include?
The D81 form is meant to provide the court with a straightforward summary of the financial circumstances of the parties involved. It is a straightforward form that requires full and honest disclosure. Each section helps the judge see how your finances currently stand and what your future needs are likely to be. You will be asked to disclose the following:
- Current income — include your salary, benefits, and any regular bonuses.
- Capital and property assets — share the value of your home, savings, and investments.
- Liabilities — list mortgages, loans, and credit card debts.
- Pension values — mention both state and private pension estimates.
- Future housing needs — explain where each of you plans to live after the separation.
- Details of any children — outline care arrangements and ongoing costs.
- Proposed financial settlement — state how you’ve agreed to divide assets and income.
Each of these sections is short, but crucial accuracy here saves time later. Next, let’s explore why this form plays such an important role in ensuring fairness and protection
Importance of D81 Form
When couples reach a financial agreement after a separation, the court's review of the D81 formation determines whether the agreement is fair and open. This is more than just paperwork; this is a financial safety net.
- The judge could review the financial snapshot to see whether the consent order is fair to both parties or not.
- Once the consent order has been sealed by the court, you are protected from future financial claims, but only if it has been prepared properly and you have fully disclosed your finances.
- Full and honest disclosure now prevents disputes later. It stops you from having to return to court to sort out something you have missed or hidden from the court.
This protection is important whether you live in Stevenage, Peterborough, or Watford. If you understand this from the beginning, it will make every step easier as you go. Let's discuss the form and how to complete it properly
Do You Need a Solicitor to Complete the D81?
While you are not legally bound to employ a solicitor to assist you with the D81 form, attempting to manage it without a solicitor usually leads to unnecessary problems. The application requires financial information, legal phrasing, and statutory court requirements that can be misconstrued easily. An error or a failure to disclose may delay the approval of the consent order or improperly disadvantage a person. That is why
Fosters Legal Solicitors Peterborough, Watford, and Stevenage help clients ensure financial disclosures are appropriately made, fair, and protected by law, before they go to the court stage.
- We check for fairness —
our
divorce solicitors carefully review your proposed consent order to make sure it’s balanced and meets court standards
- We flag missing details early—mistakes can slow down your agreement. I once assisted a client in Stevenage, where we noticed a somewhat trivial pension note had to be added before a submission, which saved months of waiting and resubmissions to the court.
- We secure your long-term protection — we assist in the drafting and review of the agreement to ensure you are protected from future claims or misunderstandings.
- We assist with will updates— if you wish to update your will after your financial settlement, Fosters Legal
will writing services can handle that too, keeping all your documents legally aligned.
With Foster Legal’s guidance, you can submit your form with assurance, knowing your financial agreement is on solid ground. Next, we will look at the contents of the D81 form to complete it correctly and avoid the most common errors
How Long Does a D81 Take?
After you send off the D81 form, the process should take somewhere in the range of 4 to 10 weeks before you get an approval. The majority of firms quote an average of between 6 to 10 weeks, with the difference relying on how busy the court is and the thoroughness of your application.
- Court workload matters - a busier family court will obviously take longer to review and approve an order.
- Form accuracy matters - even the tiniest mistake or any missing information could delay the process.
- Local variations apply - courts in Stevenage, Peterborough, and Watford might have differing cases waiting to be processed, which could alter waiting times slightly.
As a law firm, Fosters Legal
Family Law Solicitors support clients in preparing and submitting D81 forms that are complete and accurate, because, of course, we want the process to flow as easily and predictably as possible.
Conclusion
Filling in the D81 form correctly is not just symbolic; it should protect you and the other party and ensure the financial settlement is fair and enforceable in court. Every fact you provide will assist the judge in making a balanced decision. It also protects you and the other party from disputes in the future.
If you live in Stevenage, Peterborough, or Watford and are after a safe consent order, make a booking with Fosters Legal. We'll check your D81 form and draft the order for you so you don't have to take any chances.
Separating finances can be stressful, but a clear, court-approved order brings real peace of mind and lets you move forward with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to fill out a D81 form?
Yes, if you’re applying for a financial consent order after divorce or separation, the D81 form is required. It gives the court a clear summary of both parties’ finances before approving the agreement
What is the purpose of the D81 form?
The D81 form helps the court assess whether your proposed financial settlement is fair and reasonable. It outlines income, assets, liabilities, and future needs for both parties
How long does it take for D81 to be approved?
Approval usually takes around 6 to 10 weeks, depending on the court’s workload and how accurately the form has been completed
How to fill in D81 form?
You’ll need to provide full details of income, property, savings, debts, pensions, and childcare arrangements. A solicitor, like Foster Legal, can ensure your form is accurate and ready for court approval
What are the disadvantages of a clean break order?
A clean break order ends future financial claims between you and your ex-partner. While it gives closure, it also means you can’t make further financial claims later, even if circumstances change
