Can I refuse to complete a Form E?

Outside of court proceedings, there is no legal obligation to complete a Form E. A voluntary refusal to do so is likely to result in court proceedings being started as it may appear that you are uncooperative and have something to hide.

Once court proceedings for a financial remedy are commenced completion of a Form E is mandatory as a Court will order you to do so within a specified period of time. A Court has the power to add a prominent warning to a Court Order (a Penal Notice) stating that failure to comply with the order could lead to contempt of court.

Any refusal to comply with a Court Order can lead to serious consequences such as fines, cost orders being made against you, or even imprisonment for contempt of court.