How Long Does a D81 Form Take to Process? A Complete Timeline Guide

During the divorce process, knowing how long it takes for each document to be processed will help you manage your expectations. The D81 form, or Statement of Information for a Consent Order in Financial and Property Matters, is a very important document in financial settlements, and its processing time varies based on several factors.

Standard Processing Time:
The D81 form itself does not have a separate processing time since it is reviewed with your consent order. When submitted as part of a complete financial consent order application, the standard processing time can take anywhere from 6 to 10 weeks. This timeline is not set in stone and can vary greatly depending on court workload and the complexity of your case.

Factors Affecting Processing Time:
There are a number of factors that can affect how fast your D81 form and supporting order of consent is dealt with:

-The court has to deal with its present caseload. Processing takes longer during busy periods. The courts are always busy immediately after holidays or divorce peaks, which occur typically in January and September.

-The accuracy and completeness of your submission are critical. If your D81 form has errors, missing information, or is inconsistent with your consent order, the court will send it back for correction. This can delay the process by weeks or even months. Common mistakes include missing signatures, incomplete financial information, or discrepancies between the D81 and consent order figures.

Speeding up the Process:
To ensure the smooth and fast processing of your D81 form:

-Check all your figures carefully and make certain they are identical to what is in your consent order. The court checks and rechecks these numbers meticulously, and even the most minor discrepancies can delay everything.-Ensure that both sides sign and date the document appropriately. Missing signatures happen to be one of the top reasons for returns.

-Include all the support documents necessary. These could include pension valuations, property valuations, and so on.
Court Review Procedure

-The D81 form will pass through a process once it is submitted as follows:

-Court staff reviewing the submission to confirm all the supporting documents are complete and accurately filled in

-A judge will carefully look at the financial details submitted to determine whether the settlement proposed is reasonable and just
In case of agreement, the consent order will be sealed and is lawfully effective.

-If changes are required, the court sends back the documents detailing the specific requirements for their correction.

Read Also: D81 Form: Statement of Information For Settling the Financial Issues

What Happens After Submission:
While awaiting processing, you can send inquiries to the court as to how the process is moving. They rarely provide specific times, however. If your case is being handled by a solicitor, you can keep a close eye on the process and even respond quickly to any communications from the court.

Emergency Situations:
There may be times when you will need expedited processing. There is no formal fast-track process for D81 forms, but your solicitor can write to the court explaining any urgent circumstances. This might include impending property transactions or critical financial deadlines.

The Impact of Covid-19:
The pandemic has created a backlog in many courts, and processing times may be extended. Some courts have adopted electronic submission systems to make the process more efficient, but processing times may still be longer than before the pandemic.

This knowledge helps you prepare accordingly for the waiting period during your divorce. The waiting period may seem unbearable, but the use of this time to perfect all your documentation may prevent even longer delays caused by corrections and resubmissions.

For further advice please get in touch with our team today by calling 020 8538 0182 or +44 7857 809932, or you can email us on [email protected].

Please note these blogs are to enhance your knowledge and are not tailored advice, for specific advice please get in touch with our outstanding team.