D11 Form UK (2026 Update): Fees, Draft Orders & How to Apply

Court forms are stressful enough. Getting one wrong can cost you weeks.

The D11 form—officially called an Application Notice—is one of the most commonly used documents in family court proceedings in England and Wales. Yet many people only discover it when something in their divorce or child arrangements case has stalled.

This guide explains the D11 form clearly and practically. You’ll learn:

• What the D11 is used for
• Updated 2026 court fees
• When you need a draft order
• How it interacts with other family court forms
• Step-by-step completion tips
• Common rejection mistakes
• What happens after submission

Everything is based on current guidance from HM Courts & Tribunals Service and GOV.UK (as of 2026), plus real procedural practice under the Family Procedure Rules 2010.

What Is the D11 Form?

The D11 form is a general application notice used during existing family court proceedings.

It allows you to ask the court to make a specific order.

It is used when you need the court to take further action in an ongoing case.

Common Reasons to Use Form D11

You might file a D11 to request:

• Deemed service (when your spouse hasn’t responded, but you can prove receipt)
• Alternative service (e.g., permission to serve by email)
• An interim order (temporary financial support)
• A variation of an existing order
• Directions in financial remedy proceedings
• Permission to withdraw a divorce application
• Urgent protective measures

It’s called a general application for a reason. It covers many procedural requests.

D11 Form Quick Facts (2026)

⚠️ Court fees change periodically. Always confirm current figures on GOV.UK before submitting.

Also Check: D81 Form Explained (2026): Avoid Rejection & Get Your Consent Order Approved

Where the D11 Fits in the Family Court Process

The D11 does not operate alone. It interacts with other key family court forms.

Related Forms You Should Know

• Form D81 – Filed when submitting a financial Consent Order.
• Form C100 – Used to apply for child arrangements.
• Form A – Starts financial remedy proceedings.
• Form E – Financial disclosure.

Real Workflow Example

• Divorce was issued online.
• Financial remedy started using Form A.
• Parties agree settlement.
• D81 submitted.
• D11 filed requesting approval of the Consent Order.

That procedural context signals competence—to judges and to search engines.

2026 D11 Court Fees Explained

As of 2026:

On notice means the other party is informed.
Without notice means they are not (urgent situations only).

Help With Fees

You may qualify for fee remission if you are on certain benefits or below income thresholds. You’ll need a Help With Fees reference number.

Don’t guess. Check eligibility first.

When Is a D11 Application Urgent?

A without notice application is serious. Courts apply strict tests under the Family Procedure Rules 2010.

It is typically appropriate only if:

• There is a risk of harm
• Assets may be dissipated
• Giving notice would defeat the purpose

Stress alone is not an urgency.

Be realistic. Judges expect legal necessity, not emotional frustration.

Do You Need to Attach a Draft Order?

Often, yes.

If you’re asking the judge to make a specific order, you should attach a separate document titled:

“Draft Order”

This is what the judge signs.

Example of Drafting Quality

❌ Weak:

“I want maintenance.”

✅ Strong:

“An interim order for periodical payments pursuant to Section 22 of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973.”

Precision matters.

In practice, one of the most common reasons D11 applications are delayed isn’t the law—it’s vague wording.

How to Fill in the D11 Form (Step-by-Step)

Let’s make this practical.

Step 1: Get the Case Number Right

Use the correct reference from your MyHMCTS portal or official court correspondence.

Using an outdated case number can result in the application being returned.

Step 2: State the Order You Are Seeking

Be specific.

Instead of:

“I want the court to review my case.”

Write:

“An order for deemed service of the divorce application dated 12 January 2026.”

Clarity reduces delay.

Step 3: Explain Why

Keep it factual:

• Dates
• Evidence
• Legal basis

Attach supporting documents if needed.

Step 4: Decide on Hearing or Paper Determination

You must indicate whether:

• You want it dealt with without a hearing, or
• You believe a hearing is necessary.

Most procedural D11 applications are determined on paper.

Step 5: Sign the Statement of Truth

Applications are regularly returned because this section is unsigned.

It sounds minor. It isn’t.

What Happens After You Submit a D11 Form?

Here’s the usual process:

1. Submission (online or paper)
2. Fee processed
3. Judicial review
4. Court either:

• Makes an order on paper, or
• Lists a hearing

Processing times vary by court. For example, larger courts like the Central Family Court may experience heavier administrative backlogs than regional courts.

Expect 2–6 weeks in standard cases.

Also Read: TA6 Form Explained (2026): What Sellers Must Disclose

Common D11 Mistakes That Cause Delays

• No draft order attached
• Incorrect fee paid
• Missing supporting documents
• Vague order request
• Unsigned statement of truth
• Incorrect service method

Small technical errors can cost significant time.

D11 vs Starting a Divorce

Many people confuse the D11 with initiating proceedings.

They serve different procedural roles.

Legal Glossary

Deemed Service
Court acceptance that documents were received even without a formal acknowledgment.

Alternative Service
Court permission to serve documents via non-standard methods (e.g., email).

Interim Order
Temporary order made before final hearing.

Without Notice Application
An urgent request made without informing the other party beforehand.

FAQs

Q. What is the D11 form used for?

The D11 form (Application Notice) is used in ongoing family court proceedings in England and Wales to request a specific court order. It allows a party to apply for matters such as deemed service, interim maintenance, variation of an order, alternative service, or procedural directions under the Family Procedure Rules 2010.

Q. How much does it cost to submit a D11 form in 2026?

As of 2026, the D11 court fee is:

• £190 for an on notice application
• £60–£61 for a without notice or by consent application

Fees are set by the HM Courts & Tribunals Service and should be confirmed on GOV.UK before filing. Fee remission may be available through the Help With Fees scheme.

Q. Do I need to attach a draft order to a D11 application?

In many cases, yes. If you are asking the court to make a specific order, you should attach a separate “Draft Order” document. This provides the exact wording for the judge to approve and helps prevent delays caused by unclear or incomplete applications.

Q. What happens after you file a D11 form?

After submission, the court processes the application, and a judge reviews it. The court will either:

• Decide on paper (without a hearing), or
• List the matter for a hearing

Processing times typically range from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on court workload and urgency.

Q. Can I cancel a divorce using a D11 form?

Yes, in certain circumstances. You can use a D11 to request permission to withdraw or dismiss divorce proceedings, depending on the stage of the case. The court must approve your request before you can formally end the proceedings.

Q. How long does a D11 application take to process?

Most D11 applications are processed within 2–6 weeks. Urgent or without notice applications may be handled more quickly. Processing time depends on the complexity of the request and the administrative workload of the court handling the case.

Q. When should I use a D11 instead of starting a new application?

You should use a D11 when you already have an active family court case and need to request an additional order or procedural direction.

Conclusion

The D11 form is a procedural tool—not a starting point.

Used correctly, it allows you to:

• Request interim orders
• Solve service problems
• Clarify directions
• Move stalled proceedings forward

Used poorly, it causes a delay.

Before filing:

• Confirm the correct 2026 fee
• Draft the order precisely
• Attach supporting evidence
• Sign the statement of truth

Ten careful minutes now can save weeks later.

Always verify the latest form version and court fee on GOV.UK before submission.

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