In an earlier blog we talked about disclosure in the family court process, and discussed form E and the necessary requirements to get it sorted. in this blog we talk about questions you may have once you have seen the other party’s form E!
- Do you agree with the property valuations? If not why not? Is it going to be worth arguing over?If yes the court will probably put you to the expense of a formal survey.
- Are all the bank statements there?
- Check them for interesting cash withdrawals or unexplained transfers.
- Check them for a lack of withdrawals, how is the food, petrol, daily cash needs being met? (could there be an undisclosed bank account?)
- Does the person’s outgoings list seem reasonable (We wouldn’t expect to see gardener/ cleaner/ butler as an income need on most form E’s!)
- Are the outgoings hopelessly underestimated? It may seem tempting to let it slide, but if the other party is unrealistic about the cost of living, you may be storing up future maintenance applications for yourself.
- If questions remain unanswered, you can ask the Judge to rule that the answers must be provided (if your questions are relevant and sensible) at the 1st Appointment court hearing.
if in doubt though, ask a qualified Resolution lawyer to help!
