Does Form E Need a Car Valuation? The £500 Line Explained
No. Form E does not ask you to attach a valuation of a car. Section 2.8 asks for personal belongings individually worth more than £500 and lists cars at gross value, so the figure is yours to state. It still has to be a figure you can stand behind, because the form is confirmed by a statement of truth.
What does Form E ask for about a car?
Section 2.8 of the January 2023 edition is headed "Details of personal belongings individually worth more than £500". Under "include" it lists cars (gross value), collections, pictures and jewellery, and furniture and house contents. A car worth more than £500 therefore goes in section 2.8 with a brief description and a total current value of your interest.
| Form E asks for | Form E does not ask for |
|---|---|
| Cars worth more than £500, at gross value, in section 2.8 | A valuation of the car to attach |
| A copy of any valuation of a property obtained in the last six months | A named method for valuing a car |
| A surrender valuation of each policy that has a surrender value | Which basis to use for the car |
Want an independent figure to put on the form? Get a price for a divorce car valuation.
Get a price for my divorce car valuation
Your price is confirmed in writing before any work begins.
Why does the figure still need evidence?
Form E says its content must be confirmed by a statement of truth, and that proceedings for contempt of court may be brought against a person who makes a false statement in a document verified by one. A car figure taken from the first advert you find is easy for the other side to challenge. A figure with the comparable cars and the adjustments written down is harder to dismiss.
Send the make, model, year, mileage and photos, and we will confirm a price in writing before starting.
Get a price for my divorce car valuationCan a valuation go before the court?
Rule 25.4(2) of the Family Procedure Rules says a person may not, without the permission of the court, put expert evidence (in any form) before the court. Whether a particular document counts as expert evidence is a question about your case, so ask your solicitor before attaching anything to a court filing. Our valuation is an independent written supporting document for disclosure and negotiation. We do not act as an expert witness and we do not attend court.
Which value goes on the form: trade or private sale?
Form E does not say. Our guide on trade or private sale values on Form E sets out the choice, and finance on the car goes in the liabilities section, not off the car's value.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to attach a car valuation to Form E?
No. Form E does not ask for a valuation of a car. Among the documents to attach it lists valuations for properties and policies, not for cars.
Which cars go in section 2.8?
Cars, along with other personal belongings, that are individually worth more than £500, at gross value.
Can I put a valuation report in front of the court?
Rule 25.4(2) of the Family Procedure Rules requires the court's permission for expert evidence in any form, so ask your solicitor first. Our report is a supporting document, not expert evidence.
Need a figure for a car in your divorce?
Send the details and photos. We confirm the cost first, and the written valuation, with the comparables set out, is usually with you the same day.
Get a price for my divorce car valuationYour price is confirmed in writing before any work begins.