Confused by question on online divorce form

[HyggeandTea]

Hello, We are doing it ourselves as everyone is strapped for cash.

Am doing the online application, which seems straightforward apart from the 'Do you want to apply for a financial order?' question.

We have decided the financial split and will get a solicitor or online company with a solicitor to draw up a consent (and clean break?) order once the process has started. Do I still have to tick 'yes' in that case? We don't need the court, only the judge to approve the legal document once drafted.

I am worried if I do say yes the court will insist on sorting out the finances for us and we will have to pay the £275 form fee.

But if I say no am I preventing the consent order from happening?

And, on the very small chance one of us turns into an arse, if we tick 'no' does that mean we have no choice then but to settle it ourselves?

TIA x

It doesn't really matter but I would tick yes. That doesn't mean the court will insist on sorting out finances. The court will be very happy for you to do it yourselves. The notes on the right of the page explain that the court will take no action if you tick yes. You need to complete a separate form and pay another fee to start financial proceedings. And ticking no doesn't stop you from starting financial proceedings later.

Even if you do agree a consent order, one of you will need to complete form A to apply for a financial order.