What is the express financial remedy pilot? On 4 April 2025, the Government introduced an “express” financial remedy pilot scheme for those who have a combined net asset worth of £250,000 or less (excluding any pension rights or pension compensation entitlement). The scheme includes a streamlined Court process for those meeting the criteria, introducing a two-hearing process rather than the usual three hearing process. The pilot is designed to reduce Court delay, and improve efficiency with quicker settlements being reached due to tighter deadlines. The pilot aims to lower legal costs for both parties with the preparation needed for numerous Court hearings reduced, as well as freeing up the Court system, allowing for urgent cases to be prioritised. The scheme is currently being tested in select Courts before a potential nationwide roll out. What is the criteria for the express financial remedy pilot? Those meeting the criteria will automatically enter the express financial remedy pilot following the filing of Form A. The criteria: Total combined net assets of £250,000 or less The filing of Form A between 7 April 2025 to 3 April 2026 Your case has been allocated to a Court that is participating in the pilot scheme. These currently include: Chester & Merseyside Financial Remedy Zone Cleveland, Newcastle and Durham Financial Remedy Zone Greater Manchester Financial Remedy Zone Lancashire and Cumbria Financial Remedy Zone North and West Yorkshire Financial Remedy Zone West Midlands Financial Remedy Zone What happens at the First Hearing (the FDR) for an express financial remedy pilot? The Judge will review the documents filed by the parties and will give an indication as to the likely outcome of the case. The Judge will encourage the parties to reach a financial settlement agreement. If financial settlement is reached, the Judge will record the agreement and request that it is drafted into a consent order for the Court’s approval either at the hearing or on paper at a later date. If an agreement is reached, neither party will need to attend the next and final Court hearing (under the “express” financial remedy pilot scheme). If the parties are unable to reach a financial settlement agreement at the hearing, then the matter is listed for a Final Hearing. What happens between the FDR and the Final Hearing? The parties will need to draft and exchange their open proposals for settlement no later than 7 days after first hearing (the FDR). The Judge may direct the parties to provide more information in their respective open proposals for settlement in advance of the Final Hearing or give other directions for them to follow. What happens at the Final Hearing? The Final Hearing will take place between 26 to 30 weeks after the application is issued. It will typically last 1 day. At the Final Hearing, the Judge will decide the outcome of the financial application and make a final financial order. What happens if your case is no longer suitable for the express financial remedy pilot? If, after the Court have issued the application, the case is deemed by the parties as unsuitable, then it is possible to apply to leave the express financial remedy pilot. If the Court agrees the case is no longer suitable, it will remove the case from the scheme and send a revised timetable. How can Morr & Co help? If you have any questions or would like any further information on the content of this article, please do not hesitate to contact our Family team on 01737 854500 or email info@morrlaw.com and a member of our expert team will get back to you. Disclaimer Although correct at the time of publication, the contents of this newsletter/blog are intended for general information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute, legal advice. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article. Please contact us for the latest legal position. Authored by Lydia Pilati Associate Solicitor Message Tags Insights On this page Related Stories Alternatives to Court for Relationship Breakdowns Navigating Divorce & Financial Settlements View more Contact our team today to find out more Contact us
