As the saying goes, Life moves fast if you are on the fast track. If you’re going through a divorce and your financial situation isn’t too complex – for instance, your combined assets (excluding pensions) are worth less than £250,000 – a new court pilot scheme may soon make the process quicker, clearer, and less stressful.
From April 2025, a new system called the Express Financial Remedy Procedure will be trialled in selected courts. It’s designed especially for people who are representing themselves (litigants in person) and dealing with modest financial claims. The aim is simple: to give separating couples early, clear guidance from a judge, help them reach agreement sooner, and cut down the time, cost, and complexity of going to court.
In this blog, we’ll break down what the pilot scheme involves, how it works, and what it might mean for you if you’re dealing with a financial remedy case involving lower-value assets.
What Is It?
A pilot scheme starting in April 2025 designed to streamline and fast-track low-value financial remedy cases in the Family Court, especially those involving litigants in person (LIPs).
Who Does It Apply To?
- Cases with combined net assets under £250,000 (excluding pensions)
- Applies only where Form A is issued in a pilot court
- Will automatically apply if the criteria are met (via a tick-box on the new Form A)
Why Was It Introduced?
- To address delays, inefficiency, and emotional strain caused by drawn-out proceedings in low-asset cases
- Based on research showing LIPs are common in these cases and are often ready to settle earlier
- Aims to front-load disclosure and give parties early neutral evaluation to encourage settlement
How Does It Work?
- A single first hearing is scheduled within 16–20 weeks of issuing Form A
- A one-day final hearing is also scheduled (26–30 weeks post-Form A), but vacated if settlement is reached
- The first hearing is treated as an FDR – parties are given an early steer by the judge
- Front-loaded disclosure required: Form E, valuations, mortgage capacity, suitable housing options, questionnaires, and offers must all be filed in advance
Key Benefits
- Quicker resolution (aim: within 6 months)
- Fewer hearings overall
- Early judicial guidance to support settlement
- Simplified, clearer procedure ideal for self-representing parties
Contact
This new pilot scheme will show us if we can have it all and even all at once. Paradigm Family Law have a team of experienced and highly recommended family lawyers to help guide you through the process, just waiting to hear from you.
If you would like more details on this or want to discuss your family law matter, please do not hesitate to contact Frank or Evelyn. Paradigm Family Law offers a free initial consultation with a top-rated family lawyer and our fixed fee solutions cover financial or children proceedings from start to finish. You can call us on 01904 217225 or email us at [email protected].