What Documents Do I Need for a Divorce?

If you are thinking about divorce and wondering where to start with the finances, you are not alone. One of the most common things people tell us when they first come in is that they do not know where to begin. The paperwork feels overwhelming before they have even started.

The good news is that it does not have to be. You do not need everything organised perfectly before speaking to a solicitor. Gathering a few key documents early on will make the whole process smoother, faster and less stressful. It also puts you in a much stronger position from the outset.

Evelyn Peacock, Partner and Legal Director at Paradigm Family Law LLP, explains what you need and why.

[Insert image of Evelyn Peacock — alt text: Evelyn Peacock, Partner and Legal Director at Paradigm Family Law]

Why Do You Need Documents for a Divorce?

Sorting out the finances on divorce is a separate legal process from the divorce itself. In England and Wales, both parties must provide full and honest financial disclosure. That means giving a clear picture of everything each person owns, earns and owes.

Solicitors call this process completing a Form E. It covers property, bank accounts, pensions, savings, investments, income and liabilities.

The Form E can look daunting when you first see it. Think of it this way — it is simply a structured way of pulling together information you already have. At Paradigm we help clients through every section. You do not have to complete it on your own, and you do not need everything ready on day one.

Making a start is what matters most. The list below tells you exactly where to begin.

What Documents Do I Need to Gather for a Divorce?

Property — what is the home worth?

If you own a property, you will need a current valuation. If you have had a recent one done, gather that now. If not, do not worry — a rough estimate of current market value works as a starting point. A formal valuation can follow later in the process.

You will also need a mortgage statement showing the current outstanding balance. Contact your mortgage lender directly and ask them to send you a redemption or current balance statement.

Bank statements — all accounts, for the last 12 months

This is one of the most important things to gather early. You need statements for every bank account you hold — current accounts, savings accounts and any joint accounts. The standard requirement in financial remedy proceedings is 12 months of statements for each account.

If you are not sure which accounts to include, the answer is all of them. Incomplete disclosure causes delays and creates problems later.

Savings and investments

Do you hold any savings outside your main bank account? ISAs, shares, bonds or any other investment? Gather the most recent statement for each one showing the current balance or value.

Pensions — and why this matters more than most people realise

Pensions are one of the most frequently overlooked parts of divorce finances. Yet they can be among the most valuable assets in a marriage — sometimes worth more than the family home.

You need the most recent annual statement for each pension you hold. But here is the important part: the annual statement alone is usually not enough. You also need to request a Cash Equivalent Value (CEV) from each pension provider. This is the figure that financial remedy proceedings use to value the pension properly. Many providers do not include it in their standard annual statements.

Contact each pension provider separately and ask specifically for a Cash Equivalent Value statement. Note when you made the request — these can take a few weeks to arrive.

Not sure how many pensions you have, or have you lost track of old workplace pensions? The government’s Pension Tracing Service can help you locate them.

Credit cards, loans and other debts

Financial disclosure covers what you owe as well as what you own. Gather the most recent statement for any credit cards, personal loans, car finance agreements or other liabilities. You need the current outstanding balance for each one.

Payslips — last three months

If you are employed, gather your three most recent payslips. These show your current income clearly, including any regular overtime or bonuses.

Your most recent P60

Your P60 shows your total earnings and tax paid for the last complete tax year. If you cannot find it, ask your employer for a replacement. It may also be available through your online payroll or HR portal.

Self-employed or a business owner?

If you are self-employed or hold a share in a business, you will also need your last two or three years of accounts and tax returns. Business interests need more detailed disclosure and sometimes specialist valuation. Your solicitor will guide you through exactly what to provide.

Do I Need Everything Before I Speak to a Solicitor?

No. Please do not let this list put you off making that first call.

Many clients come to us with very little organised. That is completely fine. An initial consultation is about understanding your situation and working out the best approach for you — not reviewing a complete financial dossier.

Making a start is what helps most. Even gathering your bank statements and a rough sense of the property value puts you ahead of most people at the beginning of the process.

We will help you with the rest.

A Note on Form E

Once financial disclosure gets underway, both parties complete a Form E. This is a detailed financial statement that brings all of this information together in a structured format. It covers every aspect of your financial position and passes between solicitors as part of the financial remedy process.

The Form E is thorough by design. But your solicitor will help you prepare it. At Paradigm we prepare the initial draft for our clients based on the documents they provide. We guide them through every section. You will not work through it alone.

What Happens After Financial Disclosure?

Once both parties provide full disclosure, you can have a properly informed conversation about what a fair financial settlement looks like.

That conversation might happen through negotiation between solicitors, through mediation, through a private Financial Dispute Resolution hearing, or — if necessary — through the court process. Most cases settle without a contested final hearing, particularly where both parties provide honest and complete disclosure from the outset.

Want to understand what a fair outcome might look like in your specific circumstances before committing to any particular route? What Would a Judge Say provides a written opinion from a sitting family law judge based on your financial information. Clients typically receive it within four weeks of the brief being finalised.

How Paradigm Family Law Can Help

We know that gathering financial paperwork can feel like a big step. Our approach is to make that process as straightforward as possible — helping you understand what you need, why you need it, and what happens next.

Evelyn Peacock is a Partner and Legal Director at Paradigm Family Law LLP. With over nineteen years of experience, she specialises in divorce, matrimonial finances and the financial aspects of separation. Evelyn works in a focused, constructive way with a keen attention to detail. She is known for her determination and empathy — and for making sure clients feel supported at every stage of the process.

Paradigm Family Law is recommended in the Doyle’s Guide London 2026 for leading family and divorce lawyers.

To arrange a free initial consultation, contact Paradigm Family Law on 01904 217225 or email info@paradigmfamilylaw.co.uk.