Use of the Form H
June 2025
Form H is a costs estimate form used in financial remedy proceedings. It must be filed and served by each party before each hearing. The form provides a total of the costs incurred up to the date of the hearing as well as the expected future costs if settlement is not reached. It is an important checking exercise as it ensures that both parties, and the court, are clear about the scope of the legal fees involved, allowing these to be considered in the context of the case at hand.
This summary provides general information and does not constitute legal advice on any individual circumstances.
The key purpose of the Form H is transparency. It ensures that each client knows exactly how much they have paid their solicitors, and how much remains to be paid, as well as placing those costs in the context of the total assets available. As negotiation can and should take place at any time during financial remedy proceedings, it is in both parties’ interests that they keep an eye on their legal fees, and the cost/benefit analysis of incurring future fees, before these costs begin to impact the assets available for division.
Completing the Form H
The Form H is made up of several sections, separating out the costs incurred to date from those yet to be incurred, and then also sub-dividing these figures by category.
The form requires the identification of exactly what was incurred before the Form A was issued, what came afterwards (to date), and then what is expected to be incurred during the next stage of the proceedings. Each of these stages is then broken down into what is comprised solely of solicitor fees, and what has been incurred by third parties, including counsel. This ensures that both the parties and the court have a clear breakdown of how and when costs are being incurred, and what is expected going forwards.
Legal representatives completing a Form H must confirm that, as part of the statement of truth they are required to sign, they have discussed the contents of the estimate with their client. This ensures that clients are fully informed about the costs associated with their case.
What Happens after Submitting a Form H?
Each party must file and serve their completed Form H on each other at least one day before the next hearing. Given its critical role in promoting transparency and accountability in relation to legal costs, this allows the question of costs to be considered at the upcoming hearing if relevant. If appropriate, and with a view to ensuring that costs remain proportionate to the issues at stake, the court can make an order that one party should contribute to the other party’s costs if appropriate in the circumstances, and can help the parties to focus their costs on the most important issues, while promoting agreement in other respects.
How Can Fullers Help?
At Fullers Family Law, we understand that finding a solicitor that you feel understands your own specific situation can be a daunting task. So, you can book a free call back with us here.
We have also created a series of fixed-price consultation meetings with a full ‘no questions asked’ money-back guarantee' promise.
For an initial discussion and a no-obligation quote, get in touch with us today by simply calling us on 01234 343134, filling in the contact form below, or emailing us at enquiries@fullersfamilylaw.com and a member of our team will get back to you.
