Form D81 – Consent order statement

What is Form D81?

Form D81 is the Statement of Information that accompanies an application for a consent order. When you and your spouse have agreed on how to divide your finances, you apply for a consent order to make that agreement legally binding.

Form D81 provides the judge with:

• A summary of each party’s finances
• Details of the proposed settlement
• Information about how the agreement was reached
• The impact on both parties and any children

The judge uses this information to check the agreement is fair before approving it.

Download Form D81

When is Form D81 needed?

Use Form D81 when:

• You and your spouse have agreed a financial settlement
• You want the agreement made legally binding
• You’re applying for a consent order

Form D81 is simpler than Form E (the full financial statement used in contested cases). It’s a summary, not a comprehensive disclosure.

The consent order fee

The court fee for a consent order is £60.

This is much cheaper than contested proceedings (Form A costs £313, plus much higher legal costs).

What you need to apply for a consent order

1. The consent order itself – a legal document setting out your agreement
2. Form D81 – completed by both parties
3. Court fee – £60 (or Help with Fees reference)
4. Copy of conditional order – (or final order if already granted)

Completing Form D81

Form D81 is 23 pages but covers each party’s finances in summary form.

Section 1: Case details

• Court name
• Case number
• Names of both parties

Section 2: How agreement was reached

Tick how you reached your agreement:

• Direct discussions
• Solicitor negotiation
• Mediation
• Collaborative law
• Private FDR
• Other method

Section 3: Your financial summary (both parties complete)

Capital:

• Property (addresses, values, mortgages)
• Savings and investments
• Other significant assets

Income:

• Employment income
• Other income
• Benefits

Pensions:

• Pension values (CETVs)

Liabilities:

• Debts

Section 4: Impact of the order

Explain:

• What each party will receive
• Future housing arrangements
• Impact on income
• Child arrangements and maintenance

Section 5: Other information

• Any significant changes expected
• Health or earning capacity issues
• Any other matters the court should know

Section 6: Statement of truth

Both parties must sign, confirming:

• The information is true
• Full disclosure has been made
• You understand the agreement

Tips for completing Form D81

Be accurate

The information should match your consent order. Inconsistencies may cause delays.

Explain your reasoning

If the division isn’t 50/50, explain why. For example:

• One party keeping the family home for children
• Pension offsetting against property
• Different earning capacities

Include all assets

Even assets that aren’t being divided should be listed so the judge sees the full picture.

Both parties complete it

You can:

• Complete one form together, or
• Each complete your own section

Either way, both must sign.

What happens after you submit

1. Application received – court checks paperwork is complete
2. Judge reviews – a judge looks at the consent order and Form D81
3. Approved – if fair, the judge seals the order (typically 6-10 weeks)
4. Rejected or queries – if concerns, the judge may ask questions or require a hearing

Most consent orders are approved without a hearing.

If the judge has concerns

The judge may:

• Ask for more information
• Require changes to the order
• Order a hearing to discuss concerns

Common concerns:

• Agreement seems unfair to one party
• Children’s needs not adequately met
• Missing information
• Inconsistencies between D81 and consent order

Form D81 vs Form E

Important notes

Getting help

Many people use a solicitor to:

• Draft the consent order
• Help complete Form D81
• Submit the application

This typically costs £500-£1,500, but ensures the paperwork is correct.

Some people complete Form D81 themselves after reaching agreement in mediation. Mediators can explain the form but can’t give legal advice.

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