How to Prepare a Financial Remedy Bundle and Divorce Court Bundle
Step-by-step guide to preparing a divorce court bundle and financial remedy bundle. Organisation, pagination, and PD27A requirements for litigants in person divorce.
Quick Answer
Step-by-step guide to preparing a divorce court bundle and financial remedy bundle. Organisation, pagination, and PD27A requirements for litigants in person divorce.
How to Prepare a Financial Remedy Bundle
Last updated: January 2026
Quick Answer
Financial remedy bundles sit under Practice Direction 27A Chapter 6. Chapter 6.2 requires Arabic pagination running consecutively through the whole bundle (1, 2, 3 …), a detailed index, bookmarked sections, and PDF format under 20MB. Court limits vary by hearing: FDA bundles typically 100–150 pages, FDR bundles 250–350 pages. According to GOV.UK Family Court Statistics, properly organised bundles significantly reduce court time and costs.
Why Bundles Matter
| Benefit | Why It's Important |
|---|---|
| Judge preparation | Pre-reading enables informed decisions |
| Barrister efficiency | Easy navigation during submissions |
| Settlement support | Clear documentation aids negotiation |
| Court time reduction | Quick document location saves costs |
| Professional impression | Organisation suggests competence |
"A well-prepared bundle helps the judge understand your case efficiently. A chaotic one suggests disorganisation—not the impression you want when seeking a fair financial settlement." — Family Law Week
Practice Direction 27A Requirements (Chapter 6 — Financial Remedy)
Format Requirements
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Pagination | Arabic numbers running consecutively through the whole bundle (1, 2, 3 …), matched to the PDF page labels (PD27A Ch 6.2) |
| Paper size | A4 standard |
| Index | Detailed contents at the front |
| Sections | Clearly separated with tab dividers (A, B, C …) but page numbers are continuous across sections |
| Document order | Chronological within sections |
Electronic Bundle Requirements
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Format | Single PDF or separate volumes |
| Bookmarks | Navigation matching the index |
| Text | Searchable (OCR applied) |
| Hyperlinks | Index entries linked to pages |
| File size | Under 20MB (compress if necessary) |
Page Limits
| Hearing Type | Typical Limit |
|---|---|
| FDA | 100-150 pages |
| FDR | 250-350 pages |
| Final Hearing | Core bundle limited, full evidence as needed |
Standard Bundle Structure (PD27A Ch 6.3)
A note on labels: in the tables below, the Item column is a tab reference within the section (e.g. "A1" means the first document behind tab A), not a page label. Individual page labels throughout the bundle are Arabic and consecutive (
1, 2, 3 …), matched to the PDF page numbers under PD27A Ch 6.2. Sections (a)-(e) below follow the order required by PD27A Ch 6.3.
Section A: Preliminary Documents and Case Management Documents
| Item | Document |
|---|---|
| A1 | Index |
| A2 | Form ES1 (issues and outstanding matters) |
| A3 | Form ES2 (composite asset/income schedule with disputed items marked) |
| A4 | Agreed chronology |
| A5 | Reading list |
| A6 | Hearing template (for 2+ hour hearings) |
| A7 | Each party's Form FM5 |
| A8 | Applicant's position statement |
| A9 | Respondent's position statement |
| A10 | Open offers (if at FDR or beyond) |
Section B: Applications and Orders
| Item | Document |
|---|---|
| B1-n | Form A and all sealed or approved orders in chronological order |
| B(n+1) | Any recitals or undertakings |
Section C: Statements and Affidavits (Forms E, questionnaire replies, parties' statements without exhibits)
| Item | Document |
|---|---|
| C1 | Applicant's Form E (without exhibits) |
| C2 | Respondent's Form E (without exhibits) |
| C3 | Questionnaires served |
| C4 | Replies to questionnaires |
| C5 | Any further statements (without exhibits) |
Section D: Experts' and Other Reports
| Item | Document |
|---|---|
| D1 | Property valuations |
| D2 | Business valuations |
| D3 | Pension reports |
| D4 | Other expert evidence |
Section E: Other Relevant Documents
| Item | Document |
|---|---|
| E1-n | Other relevant documents arranged by appropriate divisions |
Building Your Bundle: Step by Step
Step 1: Gather Everything
Collect all potentially relevant documents:
- Court papers and orders
- Form E and attachments
- Questionnaire correspondence
- Valuations and reports
- Significant correspondence
- Supporting evidence
Step 2: Select What to Include
| Include | Exclude |
|---|---|
| Documents court needs | Duplicate copies |
| Documents to be referenced | Irrelevant bank statements |
| Evidence for disputed points | Minor correspondence |
| Volume padding |
Step 3: Organise by Section
Sort documents into standard sections. Within each section, arrange chronologically unless there's good reason otherwise.
Step 4: Create an Index
| Item | Document | Date | Page |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | Index | - | 1-3 |
| A2 | Chronology | - | 4-6 |
| A3 | Applicant's Position Statement | 15/01/2026 | 7-12 |
Step 5: Paginate
Number every page continuously from 1 onwards in Arabic numerals (PD27A Ch 6.2). Numbers should appear in the same position on each page (typically bottom centre or bottom right) and match the PDF page labels exactly.
Step 6: Create the PDF
| Task | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Combine documents | Single PDF or volumes |
| Scan quality | Reasonable resolution (300 dpi) |
| Apply OCR | For searchability |
| Check orientation | Consistent throughout |
| Verify legibility | All pages readable |
Step 7: Add Bookmarks and Links
Create PDF bookmarks matching your index structure. Hyperlink index entries to relevant pages where possible.
Step 8: Check File Size
If PDF exceeds 20MB:
- Compress images
- Reduce scan resolution
- Split into volumes
Step 9: Proofread
| Check | What to Verify |
|---|---|
| Completeness | All documents present |
| Pagination | Correct and continuous |
| Index accuracy | Page numbers match |
| Order | Documents in right sequence |
| Functionality | PDF searchable and navigable |
Using BundleCreator
Automatic Bundle Preparation: Manual bundle preparation is time-consuming and error-prone. BundleCreator.co automates the process:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Upload documents | Simply upload PDFs and images |
| Automatic pagination | Arabic consecutive numbering (1, 2, 3 …) applied for financial remedy bundles under PD27A Ch 6.2 |
| Generated index | Professional index created |
| Bookmarking | PDF bookmarks added automatically |
| Compression | File size optimised for courts |
| PD27A alignment | Format designed to meet the practice direction |
Common Mistakes
| Mistake | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Incomplete bundles | Problems mid-hearing |
| Poor quality scans | Frustration and delays |
| No pagination | Judge can't direct attention |
| Wrong order | Confusion navigating documents |
| Index errors | Time wasted finding documents |
| Excessive volume | Key documents buried |
| Last-minute preparation | Errors and omissions |
Bundles for Different Hearings
FDA Bundle
| Contents | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Forms E (both parties) | Financial disclosure |
| Any orders | Case history |
| Draft directions | Proposals for next steps |
| Chronology | Marriage and financial timeline |
Typical length: 100-150 pages
FDR Bundle
| Contents | Purpose |
|---|---|
| All FDA contents plus: | |
| Position statements | Each party's case |
| Open offers | Settlement proposals |
| Asset schedules | Division proposals |
| Key valuations | Property, pensions, businesses |
Typical length: 250-350 pages
Final Hearing Bundle
| Contents | Purpose |
|---|---|
| All above plus: | |
| Witness statements | Evidence from parties |
| All expert reports | Professional valuations |
| Detailed evidence | Supporting documentation |
Length varies; core bundle should remain navigable
Agreeing the Bundle
Where parties cooperate:
- Share proposed contents
- Agree what to include
- Split preparation tasks
- File single agreed bundle
Even with separate bundles, coordinate on structure to avoid duplication.
Updating Bundles
If new documents become relevant after filing:
| Step | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Prepare supplement | Separate supplementary bundle |
| Continue pagination | From main bundle numbers |
| Index clearly | Reference new documents |
| File early | Well before hearing |
Avoid last-minute additions the judge hasn't time to read.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a financial remedy bundle?
A collection of all relevant documents for your financial remedy proceedings, organised according to Practice Direction 27A requirements with pagination, index, and bookmarked PDF sections.
How long should my bundle be?
FDA bundles: 100-150 pages. FDR bundles: 250-350 pages. Final hearing: as necessary but with focused core bundle. Include only what's genuinely needed.
What format do courts require?
For financial remedy proceedings, PD27A Ch 6.2 requires electronic bundles in PDF format, with Arabic pagination running consecutively through the whole bundle (1, 2, 3 …) matched to PDF page labels, bookmarked sections, searchable text (OCR), and file size under 20MB.
How do I create PDF bookmarks?
Most PDF software (Adobe Acrobat, PDF-XChange, etc.) has bookmark creation tools. BundleCreator.co adds bookmarks automatically during bundle creation.
What if my bundle is too large?
Compress images, reduce scan resolution, or split into volumes. Courts struggle with files over 20MB. Consider whether all documents are genuinely necessary.
When should I file my bundle?
Typically 2 clear working days before the hearing, though court directions may specify different deadlines. Check your court's specific requirements.
Your Bundle Preparation Checklist
- Gather all documents – court papers, Form E, valuations, correspondence
- Select relevant items – only what's genuinely needed
- Organise by section – following standard structure
- Create detailed index – with page references
- Paginate – Arabic numbers consecutively through the whole bundle (
1, 2, 3 …) under PD27A Ch 6.2 - Combine into PDF – or use BundleCreator.co for automation
- Add bookmarks – matching index structure
- Apply OCR – for searchability
- Check file size – under 20MB
- Proofread thoroughly – before filing
- File on time – per court directions
- Serve on other party – simultaneously
This guide provides general information about preparing financial remedy bundles in England and Wales. It is not legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified family solicitor.
Sources:
Free tools mentioned in this article
Watch the short walkthrough
Short tutorial videos showing the exact BundleCreator features mentioned in this article.
Onboarding
Creating Your First Bundle
Create a bundle in three clicks — from the dashboard Create Bundle button, through the 23-area-of-law picker, to picking a hearing type and watching the editor open. This walkthrough uses the Pro-tips Starter Bundle as the example so you see the flow without real-case complexity.
Onboarding
Getting Started with BundleCreator
Your first thirty seconds in BundleCreator — the dashboard, the trial banner, the Create Bundle button top right, the area-of-law modal covering 24 areas of law plus a Pro-tips practice tile, and the editor with sections, document, toolbar, and the Sections / Continuous numbering toggle. Built for litigants in person and legal professionals across England and Wales.
Onboarding
Using Templates Effectively
Over 370 templates across 24 areas of law, pre-loaded by area + hearing type. See the pen icon in the Actions column, type over the yellow guidance, and watch the yellow strip out automatically at export — drafting prompts stay in your editor and never reach the judge. Built for litigants in person and legal professionals across England and Wales.
About the Author
Stevie Hayes
Legal Technology Compliance Specialist & Founder
Former Head of Data Security at Holland & Barrett, a Governance, Risk and Compliance specialist, Stevie brings over 30 years of technology expertise—including delivery for Sky, Disney, and BT—to court bundle compliance. His five years navigating the UK Family Court, both with legal representation and as a litigant in person, revealed the gap between what courts require and what tools deliver.
Areas of Expertise:
ISO 27001 Information Security • Data Security & Compliance • Practice Direction 27A • UK Family Court Procedures