Form D81 Help After Mediation

If you and your former partner have already reached agreement about finances, property or pensions, the next question is often how to put that agreement in front of the court properly.

That is where Form D81 usually comes in.

Form D81 is the statement of information used to support an application for a consent order in financial remedy cases. Its purpose is to help the court decide whether the financial and property arrangements you have agreed are fair.

At Barclay Devere, we help clients understand how Form D81 fits into the process, what information is needed, and what the next steps are after agreement has been reached.

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Mediation helps you agree the terms. A solicitor then drafts the consent order and deals with the formal legal submission.

What is the D81 form?

The D81 Statement of Information is typically part of the consent order process. It helps set out the financial position behind the proposed agreement.

Form D81 is the document that gives the court a snapshot of both parties’ financial position when an agreed financial settlement is being put forward for approval.

It is commonly used alongside a consent order where agreement has already been reached. The form asks for information such as income, capital, liabilities, pensions, and relevant details about the agreement, so the court can assess whether the proposed outcome appears fair.

In simple terms, if you already have an agreement, Form D81 helps explain that agreement to the court.any people, this is where the process starts to feel technical.

We help you understand the practical side of what usually needs to be clear before a consent order can move forward, including:

• the asset picture
• property and mortgage details
• pensions
• savings and investments
• debts and liabilities
• the basic logic behind the agreement

We do not replace legal advice, but we help make sure the proposals are organised clearly and sensibly before they go to a solicitor.

How Form D81 fits into the consent order process

The usual sequence is:

1. You reach agreement about finances
2. A consent order is prepared
3. Form D81 is completed to support the application
4. The documents are sent to the court for approval
5. The order takes effect after the final order / decree absolute stage

That is why Form D81 is so important. It is not a standalone form with no context. It is part of the process of asking the court to approve an agreed financial settlement.

When do you need Form D81?

You may need Form D81 if:

• you have already agreed how finances or property should be dealt with
• you want to apply for a consent order
• you need to give the court the financial information required to assess the agreement

HMCTS describes Form D81 as the statement of information used to support an application for a consent order and help the court decide whether the arrangements made are fair.

Timing matters

Timing is one of the most important parts of this process.

GOV.UK says the court cannot approve a consent order before the conditional order / decree nisi stage, and also says people who want a legally binding arrangement for money and property should usually apply for it before the final order / decree absolute, because there can be financial consequences, particularly around pensions.

So if you have reached agreement, it is sensible to think about Form D81 and the consent order process before the divorce is fully concluded.

Ready to make your agreement legal?

If you want to move from discussion to a legally progressed financial settlement, we can help you take the next step with more clarity and structure.

Frequently asked questions

What is Form D81 used for?

Form D81 is used to provide financial information to support an application for a consent order, so the court can assess whether the agreed arrangements are fair.

Is Form D81 the same as a consent order?

No. A consent order is the proposed financial order itself. Form D81 is the statement of information that supports the application.

Do I need Form D81 before final order?

If you are applying for court approval of an agreed financial settlement, timing is important. GOV.UK says the court cannot approve a consent order before conditional order, and that people should usually apply before final order if they want a legally binding financial arrangement.

What if we reached agreement in mediation?

Mediation can help couples reach financial agreement, but if you want the arrangement formally approved, the next step may involve a consent order and supporting paperwork such as Form D81.

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