Form D81 — the statement of information for a consent order, page by page

REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-08-30

When a divorcing or dissolving couple agree how to divide their finances and ask the court to approve the deal as a consent order, they must file Form D81 — the "statement of information for a consent order in relation to a financial remedy". The current version is 04.25 (updated on gov.uk on 16 July 2026, with a large-print version added). This guide explains what the form asks and how to complete it properly. It is general information, not legal advice.

What D81 is for

The court cannot simply rubber-stamp whatever deal a couple reaches — it must satisfy itself that the agreement is fair in the circumstances. D81 gives the judge a compact summary of both parties' finances, so the fairness of the proposed order can be checked without a hearing.

What you need to file with it

A completed Form A (notice of intention to proceed with a financial application), unless one has already been filed
The draft consent order itself
If relevant, the pension sharing/attachment annex

The consent order application fee is £62 (from 13 July 2026).

Key sections of the form

1. Joint or separate — you're encouraged to complete one joint form; if you use separate forms, both parties must confirm they have read each other's 2. How the agreement was reached — discussion between you, through solicitors, or via mediation or other non-court dispute resolution 3. Current capital and income — stated as at the date of signing, before the order takes effect, for each party and any children: - property and other major assets - savings and investments - liabilities and debts - net capital totals (excluding pensions) - pension valuations (cash equivalent) and PPF compensation, listed separately 4. Net monthly income — from employment, self-employment, and benefits 5. The effect of the proposed order — tables showing each party's position before and after implementation, so the judge can see the settlement outcome at a glance 6. Statement of truth — both parties sign confirming the information is true

Common mistakes

Using out-of-date figures — the form must reflect the position now, not at separation
Omitting pensions — pension values are a separate, mandatory section; a missing pension entry is one of the most common reasons the court returns the form
Not matching Form E — if there was full financial disclosure earlier in the case, figures that contradict it without explanation invite judicial questions
Forgetting the fee or filing D81 without the draft consent order attached
Incomplete "how the order was reached" answers — the court wants to see that the agreement was a genuine, informed settlement

When you can't file D81

D81 applies to consent orders in matrimonial and civil partnership financial proceedings. If you cannot agree, the case proceeds as a contested financial remedy claim (Form A, Form E exchange, FDR and final hearing) — D81 has no role there.

Official links

YourFamilyCase.co.uk is an independent information directory — we are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to HMCTS or gov.uk. This page is general information and is not legal advice. Form versions change — always download the current D81 from gov.uk.

Content verified against the official HMCTS court directory, gov.uk forms and fees pages, and the professional body registers (SRA, FMC, Bar Council). Last reviewed September 2026.