National Family Mediation Services Sheffield

Form E Disclosure Guidance Dos and Don’ts

Form E Disclosure Guidance Dos and Don’ts with National Mediation Service Sheffield

You may have heard the court officials, a judge or lawyer referring to the Form E. this is a form in which you’re required to fill out your financial information. It might be lengthy but you’re required to go a good number of the pages though not all of the sections maybe applicable to you.

You must be able to fill this form, send it back to the court and send your ex partner a copy all within a period of 35 days.

You might think of this as a lot of time but it does fly very fast. To make sure that you’re in great books with the court, The team at National Family Mediation Service Sheffield have some of the tips that you can use when filling out Form E and some of the things that you should not do.

Form E - What You Need to Know

Be Honest – One of the key things that you have to do is be truthful. In the event that you don’t disclose all your assets and finances truthfully, you risk the court not believing any other information that you may offer them even if this might be true. The end result could be a ruling that might not be in your favour.

Take your Time  – For most people, the form is very lengthy. It has five sections and collecting and filling in all the information may be quite time consuming. However, to be able to go through this comprehensively and accurately, it is advised that you fill it one section at a time.

There are some things that you should pay attention to like the shaded boxes. These are key in ensuring that you attach the right documents on the form and the right places to attach them. This ensures that you give the court officials an easy time and you also have an orderly form that shows the court your compliance.

Be thorough – In part C of the form, you’re meant to sign on the declaration. However, the signature has to be within the box and not outside. This is a mistake that commonly appears. Remember you’re trying to pass your best attitude and behaviour and a lot can be said by how you fill the form. The form has a number of sections.

Make sure you feel parts A, B, C and parts of D where it is applicable for you. You can feel free to fill in N/A (not applicable) where your instance does not apply. It is that simple. Keep in mind that honesty should be practiced when filling any of these sections.

Form-E Do's and Don'ts

1. Do Provide Accurate and Complete Information:

  • Do: Ensure that all sections of Form E are filled out accurately and completely. Provide detailed and up-to-date information about your financial situation, including income, assets, and liabilities.

2. Do Attach Supporting Documents:

  • Do: Include all relevant supporting documents, such as bank statements, pay slips, property valuations, and pension statements. Providing comprehensive documentation will help in establishing the financial landscape clearly.

3. Do Seek Professional Advice:

  • Do: Consult with financial and legal professionals before completing Form E. Understanding the implications of the financial information you provide is crucial, and professional advice can help you make informed decisions.

4. Do Use the Additional Information Section:

  • Do: Utilize the additional information sections to explain any unusual circumstances or provide context for specific financial details. This allows you to provide a more complete picture of your financial situation.

5. Do Be Transparent:

  • Do: Be open and transparent throughout the process. Mediation relies on trust and collaboration, and withholding information or providing inaccurate details can undermine the effectiveness of the mediation process.

1. Don’t Delay Submission:

  • Don’t: Delay in submitting Form E. Timely submission is essential for the mediation process to progress smoothly. Ensure you meet any deadlines set by the mediator or the court.

2. Don’t Assume Equality in Asset Division:

  • Don’t: Assume that all assets will be divided equally. While fairness is a key principle, the division of assets depends on various factors, including needs, contributions, and other considerations.

3. Don’t Forget Future Needs:

Don’t: Overlook considerations for future financial needs, especially if there are dependent children involved. The goal is to create a fair and sustainable financial arrangement for all parties involved.

4. Don’t Neglect Legal Advice:

  • Don’t: Rely solely on the mediation process without seeking legal advice. Form E is a legal document, and understanding its implications is crucial. Consult with a family law solicitor to ensure you are fully informed.

5. Don’t Engage in Hiding or Manipulating Assets:

  • Don’t: Attempt to hide or manipulate financial information. Such actions can have serious legal consequences and may undermine the trust necessary for successful mediation.

Speak to National Family Mediation Service Sheffield