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D81 Rejection Alert (2026): |
Divorce finances don’t usually fall apart because couples can’t agree — they fall apart because the court doesn’t have enough information to approve what’s been agreed.
That’s where the D81 form comes in.
Form D81, officially called the Statement of Information for a Consent Order, is one of the most misunderstood documents in UK family law. It looks administrative. It feels repetitive. And yet, it’s often the single reason a consent order is delayed, queried, or sent back for amendment.
As of 2026, the stakes are higher. The Financial Remedies Court has moved firmly toward digital-first processing via the MyHMCTS portal, with stricter validation checks and less tolerance for vague or incomplete disclosure. Judges are reviewing high volumes of applications, and clarity now matters more than ever.
This guide explains what a D81 form is, when it’s compulsory, and how to complete it correctly in 2026, using plain English rather than legal jargon. You’ll also see real-world examples, common rejection triggers, and a judge-focused checklist to help your application move smoothly through the system.
What Is a D81 Form?
A D81 form is a mandatory financial disclosure document submitted to the family court when you apply for a financial consent order.
Its purpose is to give the judge a clear, structured overview of:
- Each party’s financial position
- The assets, income, liabilities, and pensions involved
- The proposed financial settlement
- Whether the outcome appears fair and based on full disclosure
The court relies on the D81 to decide whether your agreement should become legally binding.
Without it, the court cannot assess fairness — even if both parties fully agree.
Is the D81 Form Compulsory?
In practice, yes.
If you are applying for:
- A financial consent order
- A clean break order
- A financial order following civil partnership dissolution
…the court will require a completed Form D81.
Without a properly completed D81 form, the court cannot approve a consent order and will usually request amendments, clarification, or further disclosure.
When Do You Need to Complete a D81 Form?
You need to complete Form D81 only once a financial agreement has been reached and you are asking the court to approve it.
You do not need a D81 form if:
- You are still negotiating finances
- No financial order is being sought
- You are only finalising the divorce itself
The D81 sits at the approval stage, not the negotiation stage.
Submitting a D81 Form in 2026: Paper vs MyHMCTS Portal
As of 2026, most consent order applications are processed through the MyHMCTS digital portal rather than by post.
Although the D81 PDF still exists, online submissions now involve:
- Mandatory completion checks
- Automated validation of totals
- Greater scrutiny of inconsistencies between documents
In practical terms:
- Blank sections that once slipped through are now flagged
- Figures must reconcile cleanly
- Narrative explanations are more important, not less
Practical reality: Treat the D81 as structured data for a judge under time pressure. Precision beats length.
D81 vs Form E vs Form A: Why the Court Uses Different Forms
Understanding this distinction signals topical authority — and helps avoid confusion.
| Form | Purpose | When Used |
|---|---|---|
| Form D81 | Summary of financial disclosure | Consent orders (agreement reached) |
| Form E | Full financial disclosure | Contested or negotiated proceedings |
| Form A | Notice of intention | Starts formal financial remedy proceedings |
The court allows a D81 instead of Form E for consent orders because:
- There is no active dispute
- The court’s role is supervisory, not investigative
- Proportionality and efficiency apply
However, if disclosure appears incomplete or inconsistent, a judge can still request further information, and in rare cases, Form-E-style clarification.
Also Check: C1A Form Explained (2026): What It Is & What Happens Next
What Information Does the D81 Form Ask For?
The D81 focuses on your current financial position, not historical spending.
You’ll be asked to disclose:
Personal & Case Details
- Names
- Case number
- Type of application
Capital Assets
- Property (with current values)
- Savings and investments
- Vehicles
- Business interests
Liabilities
- Mortgages
- Loans
- Credit cards
- Overdrafts
Income
- Employment income
- Benefits
- Other regular income
Pensions
- Cash Equivalent Transfer Values (CETVs)
- Pension sharing intentions
Proposed Settlement
- Who keeps what
- Whether there is a clean break
- Any ongoing maintenance
This is a financial disclosure, not an argument.
How to Fill in the D81 Form Correctly (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Use the Latest Version
Always download the most recent D81 form. Older versions can trigger queries.
Step 2: Be Accurate, Not Vague
Avoid:
- Rounded estimates
- Blank sections
- “To be confirmed.”
Judges expect full disclosure, even where assets are modest.
Step 3: Match the Consent Order Exactly
Figures in the D81 must align with:
- The draft consent order
- Any pension annexes
Inconsistencies are one of the most common delay triggers.
Step 4: Explain Unequal Outcomes
If the split is not equal, explain why.
From the court’s perspective, judges aren’t just looking at numbers — they’re looking for reasoning. If one person keeps the family home, don’t just list the value. Use the explanation section to say why — for example, to maintain stability for children or because the other party retains pension assets.
Let’s be honest: the D81 is deliberately dull. It’s designed that way so accuracy matters more than persuasion.
Step 5: Signatures Matter
Unsigned D81 forms are routinely returned.
Example of a Completed D81 Form (Simplified)
| Item | Party A | Party B |
|---|---|---|
| Property | £350,000 | — |
| Mortgage | (£180,000) | — |
| Savings | £5,000 | £15,000 |
| Pension | £40,000 | £95,000 |
| Net Outcome | 52% | 48% |
A short explanation then confirms why this division is considered fair.
2026-Specific Issues That Commonly Delay Approval
Net Effect & Percentage Splits
Judges increasingly expect to see the net effect of the settlement, including approximate percentage outcomes.
This helps the court assess proportionality quickly.
Pension CETV Expiry (12-Month Rule)
Using pension CETVs more than 12 months old is a frequent reason for queries in 2026.
If figures are outdated, the court may request updated valuations.
Cryptocurrency & Digital Assets
Cryptocurrency, NFTs, and digital investment accounts are no longer overlooked.
If you hold digital assets, they should be disclosed under capital assets.
Confidentiality & Safeguarding (Rule 29.1)
Amendments to Family Procedure Rule 29.1 (effective January 2026) allow enhanced confidentiality of contact details where safeguarding concerns exist. This should be flagged during submission where relevant.
How Long Does a D81 Form Take to Process?
In straightforward cases:
- 2–4 weeks from submission
Delays usually occur due to:
- Missing explanations
- Inconsistent figures
- Pension valuation issues
If queried, the court typically asks for clarification rather than rejecting outright.
Also Check: ID1 Form UK 2026 – Complete HM Land Registry Guide
What Judges Typically Check First on a D81 Form
- Do the figures add up logically?
- Are pensions addressed?
- Is the housing need explained?
- If the split isn’t equal, is the reasoning clear?
- Are both parties financially viable post-order?
- Does the outcome match the consent order wording?
Clarity here saves time.
What Happens If the Court Queries My D81 Form?
If the court has concerns, it may:
- Request clarification
- Ask for an amended D81
- Seek further disclosure
This is common and doesn’t mean your agreement is rejected — it usually means the judge needs clearer information before approval.
FAQs
Q. What is a D81 form in divorce?
A D81 form is a financial disclosure document used in UK divorce cases when applying for a financial consent order. It provides the court with a summary of both parties’ finances so a judge can assess whether the agreement is fair.
Q. Do I have to complete a D81 form?
Yes. If you want the court to approve a financial consent order in a divorce or civil partnership dissolution, a completed D81 form is required. Without it, the court cannot assess the agreement.
Q. Is a D81 form the same as a consent order?
No. A D81 form explains the financial information, while a consent order makes the financial agreement legally binding once approved by the court. Both documents are required.
Q. How much does a D81 form cost?
The D81 form itself is free to download and complete. However, a court fee applies when submitting a consent order application for approval.
Q. Can I complete a D81 form without a solicitor?
Yes, you can complete a D81 form without a solicitor, but professional review is strongly recommended if your finances include property, pensions, businesses, or complex assets.
Q. What happens if the court queries my D81 form?
If the court has concerns, it may request clarification or ask for an amended D81 form. This is common and usually means the judge needs clearer financial information before approving the consent order.
Q. Is the D81 form required for all divorces?
No. A D81 form is only required if you are asking the court to approve a financial consent order. It is not needed if no financial order is being sought.
Q. Where can I download the D81 form?
The D81 form can be downloaded from the official GOV.UK website and is typically submitted digitally via the MyHMCTS portal in 2026.
Conclusion
The D81 form isn’t just paperwork — it’s the court’s lens into your financial agreement. In 2026’s digital-first system, clarity, consistency, and explanation matter more than ever.
Take the time to complete it carefully, make sure it aligns with your consent order, and explain any outcome that isn’t immediately obvious. Doing so dramatically reduces delays and protects both parties from future disputes.
Related: P46 Form Explained (2026): What Replaced It & What to Use Now
