What I Need to Know About a Form A and How To Get One

If you’re going through a divorce or separation and need the court to help resolve financial matters - such as dividing assets, property, or pensions - you’ll likely come across Form A.

But what exactly is Form A? When do you need it? And how does family mediation, including a MIAM, fit into the picture? The Family Mediation Council sets standards for mediators, and mediation can help with child arrangements as well as finances.

In this guide, we’ll break it all down clearly so you understand your rights and options before taking legal action.

What Is a Form A?

Form A is the application you complete to ask the Family Court to make a financial order after a divorce, civil partnership dissolution, or separation. It’s used when you and your ex-partner can’t agree on how to divide finances.

A Form A might be needed for:

• Lump sum payments

• Spousal maintenance

• Pension sharing

• Property transfer

• Payment of debts or bills

Filing this form starts the financial remedy process, which includes disclosure of financial details, negotiation, and (if needed) a court hearing to decide how assets should be split. The court may issue a court order to formalise the outcome. If both parties reach an agreement, they can ask the court to approve a consent order, which makes the agreement legally binding.

When Do I Need to Submit Form A?

You should submit Form A only when all other avenues have been exhausted, particularly:

• You’ve attempted family mediation but couldn’t reach an agreement.

• The other party refused to engage in mediation.

• There are urgent financial issues that require immediate court intervention.

• You have attended an initial meeting (MIAM) with a mediator, as required, and determined that mediation is not suitable. Remember, going to court should be a last resort after trying mediation.

In almost all cases, you’ll need to attend a MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting), which serves as the initial meeting with a mediator, before you can submit Form A. Legal aid may be available to help cover the cost of the initial meeting (MIAM) for those who qualify.

What’s the Role of Mediation Before Submitting Form A?

The Family Court expects parties to try mediation before applying for a financial remedy - unless you’re exempt.

A MIAM is your first step. It’s a private meeting with a qualified mediator who:

• Explains your dispute resolution options

• Assesses whether mediation is appropriate

• Issues a MIAM certificate if mediation fails or is inappropriate (only a mediator accredited by the Family Mediation Council can sign this certificate)

• If mediation is appropriate, outlines the mediation process, where a neutral mediator helps both parties reach agreements, potentially avoiding court proceedings

Important: Without this certificate, the court may reject your Form A application.

At Digital MIAM, we provide fast, digital MIAMs that are accepted by all UK family courts. You can complete your MIAM online and receive your certificate typically within 48 hours (subject to scheduling availability).

What Happens After You Submit Form A?

Once you file Form A and pay the court fee (approximately, £275), which is required for all applications and can be significant compared to the cost of mediation, the court will:

1. Set a timetable for the financial proceedings.

2. Order both parties to complete Form E – a full financial disclosure document.

3. Schedule a First Appointment Hearing (typically within 12 weeks).

4. Explore settlement options via negotiation or further hearings.

Any order made by the court is legally binding on both parties.

Court is a last resort. Mediation is often quicker, cheaper, and less adversarial, and can help you avoid or reduce court fees.

What Information Do You Need for Form A?

To complete Form A, either parent can submit the form if they are seeking a financial order. You’ll need:

• Full names and addresses of both parties (including the other parent if children are involved)

• Details of your marriage/civil partnership

• A summary of the financial issues in dispute

• Your MIAM certificate

• Proof of payment or fee exemption

You can file online or post a completed paper form to your local family court.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Form A

Unresolved conflict can often lead to mistakes in the process, making it essential to approach each step carefully and seek the right support. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

1. Skipping the MIAM without exemption

2. Incomplete or inaccurate details

3. Delaying financial disclosure (this will hold up your case)

4. Filing without legal or mediation advice
   It's important to seek legal advice before filing, even if you are considering mediation. Legal advice can help you understand your rights, the court process, and how to formalise any agreements reached.

5. Not understanding the costs and timeframe involved

6. Not dealing with ongoing conflict through mediation
   If you are dealing with ongoing conflict, especially when children are involved, mediation can help manage communication and minimise conflict of interest. Addressing these issues through mediation rather than escalating to court can lead to a fairer and less stressful outcome for everyone involved.

When Mediation Works Better Than Court

Court isn’t always necessary. In fact, over 70% of separating couples who try mediation are able to reach an agreement.

Benefits of mediation include:

• Faster resolution (weeks, not months)

• Cheaper than court hearings

• Less stressful, especially when children are involved

• Flexibility to create bespoke agreements

Mediation sessions are flexible and can be tailored to the needs of the parties. For example, many mediators offer shuttle mediation, where each party is in different rooms and the family mediator moves between them, or both parties can meet in the same room if they feel comfortable and safe. This flexibility helps address conflicts and ensures that safety is a priority, especially in cases involving allegations of domestic abuse.

Many mediators are trained in child inclusive mediation, allowing a child's views to be heard during the mediation process. This ensures that the child's wishes and feelings are considered when making arrangements after separation. For example, parents can use mediation sessions to resolve disputes about their child's living arrangements, contact, or schooling, helping to make arrangements that are in the child's best interests without going to court.

The cost of mediation is often much lower than going to court. How much mediation costs depends on the number of mediation sessions needed and whether an agreement is reached quickly. The family mediation voucher scheme is a time limited scheme that provides a financial contribution of up to £500 towards the cost of mediation sessions for eligible families, particularly those on a low income. Only mediators authorised by the Family Mediation Council can offer this voucher scheme, and an accredited mediator or family mediator will guide you through the process. Mediation legal aid may also be available for those who qualify, further reducing the cost of mediation.

Family mediators are listed on the Family Mediation Council register, ensuring you work with qualified professionals. The first mediation session after the MIAM is often covered by legal aid for eligible parents. Mediation sessions are confidential, voluntary, and designed to help conflicts get resolved efficiently, supporting parents in making arrangements for their child's future.

At Digital MIAM, we help clients explore their mediation options and connect them with qualified mediators for affordable, digital-first support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a solicitor to submit Form A?

No, but legal or mediation guidance is highly recommended - especially if your case involves pensions, property, or complex finances.

What is Form E and how is it linked to Form A?

Form E is the detailed financial disclosure document both parties must submit after filing Form A. It includes assets, liabilities, income, and expenses.

Can I withdraw my Form A application later?

Yes. If you reach an agreement during the process, you can notify the court and close the case before the final hearing.

Final Thoughts: Don’t File Form A Without Understanding the Process

The decision to apply for a financial order should not be taken lightly. Form A is the start of a legal process, but mediation could still be the better route.

Before you file:

• Attend a Digital MIAM

• Get your certificate

• Consider whether full mediation could resolve your issues

If you’re ready to take the next step, start your MIAM today with Digital MIAM.

We’re here to make the process faster, cheaper, and less stressful.