Form D20 UK: Medical Examination Statement Guide
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Part ofDivorce & Civil Partnership Dissolution Forms UK
When a divorce proceeding involves a court-ordered medical examination, Form D20 is the paperwork that records the statement of both the party being examined and the appointed examiner. It is not a form most people will encounter in a standard divorce, but where the court has directed that a medical assessment take place, the D20 becomes the written record that ties everything together.
The form is short, but it must be completed accurately because it forms part of the court file. This guide walks through what the D20 is used for, who fills in each section, where to return it, and the practical points worth knowing before you sign.
If you are uncertain whether the form applies to your situation, a brief conversation with an experienced legal adviser can help you think it through.
What this document is
Form D20 is a divorce-related court form that captures a joint statement between a party to the proceedings (either the applicant or the respondent) and the medical examiner appointed by the court. It is used in the narrow set of cases where a judge has decided that a medical examination is needed to help resolve an issue in the proceedings, for example where the physical or mental condition of a party is relevant to the decision the court has to make.
The form itself has a simple structure. One part is completed by the party being examined, confirming their personal details and the date of the order that directed the examination. The other part is completed by the examiner, who confirms that they witnessed the party sign the statement and that the examination took place under the terms of the court's order.
Once both sections are signed, the form is returned to the court so it can sit on the file alongside any medical report produced.
How to use this document
- Check the court order. Before touching the form, read the order that appointed the medical examiner carefully. The order will name the examiner, set out the scope of the examination, and give a date by which the completed paperwork must be filed. Everything you write on the D20 should line up with what the order says, so keep it in front of you.
- Complete the party section. The party being examined (either the applicant or the respondent in the divorce) fills in their full name, their address, the date of the court order, and confirms in which capacity they are signing. This section must be signed in the presence of the medical examiner, not beforehand, because the examiner certifies that they witnessed the signature.
- Hand the form to the examiner. At the examination appointment, give the partially completed form to the medical examiner. They will complete their own section, which includes their name, their professional address, and a certification that the statement was signed by the party in their presence and in accordance with the court's directions.
- Examiner signs and dates. The examiner then signs and dates their part of the form. Without both signatures in place, the form is not valid for filing. It is worth checking at the appointment that every field has been completed, because correcting it later means another trip or further correspondence.
- Return the form to the court. The completed D20 is sent to the appropriate Regional Divorce Centre or the court handling your case. The address for returning the form is set out on the form itself or in the court order. Keep a copy for your own records before sending the original.
Common questions
Q Who has to complete Form D20?
The form is completed jointly by two people: the party to the divorce proceedings who has been ordered to undergo a medical examination, and the medical examiner appointed by the court. Each has their own section. Neither part can be completed in isolation, because the examiner must witness the party's signature and certify that the examination happened in line with the court's order.
Q When would a court order a medical examination in divorce proceedings?
This is uncommon in modern no-fault divorce, but it can happen where the physical or mental health of a party is directly relevant to an issue the court has to decide. It is more likely to arise in associated proceedings, such as those dealing with capacity, ancillary matters, or older-style petitions still working through the system. The order itself will explain why the examination has been directed.
Q Does the D20 replace the medical report itself?
No. The D20 is a procedural document that records the statement of the party and certifies that the examination took place under the court's order. The substantive medical findings are usually set out in a separate report prepared by the examiner. The D20 sits alongside that report on the court file rather than replacing it.
Q Is there a fee for filing Form D20?
Filing the D20 itself does not usually carry a separate court fee, because it is part of a process already set in motion by an order. However, the medical examiner may charge for the examination and report, and that cost is generally met by the party being examined unless the court has ordered otherwise. Check the court order for any directions about costs.
Q What happens if I refuse to attend the examination?
Ignoring a court order to attend a medical examination can have consequences for your case. The court may draw adverse inferences or make further directions. If you have a genuine reason you cannot attend (illness, a timing issue, or a concern about the examiner), the right step is to apply back to the court to vary the order rather than simply not turning up.
Q Can I take someone with me to the examination?
In many cases a party can bring a supporter to a medical appointment, but this depends on the examiner and the nature of the examination. If you would feel more comfortable having someone present, raise it with the examiner's office when you book the appointment. For intimate examinations, the examiner will usually offer a chaperone as standard.
Q Where do I send the completed form?
The completed D20 is returned to the court office dealing with your case. Historically this has been a Regional Divorce Centre, though the exact location depends on where your proceedings are being managed. The court order or the form itself will set out the correct address. If in doubt, contact the court office named on the order before sending anything.
Sources
This guide is based on primary UK law and official guidance.
- Guidance · UK GovForm D20 on gov.ukgov.uk
- Guidance · HMCTSFamily court forms on gov.ukgov.uk
- Guidance · UK GovGet a divorce on gov.ukgov.uk
Legal disclaimer
This article is for general information only. It is a tool to help you find your way — not legal advice, and not a substitute for speaking to a qualified adviser about your situation.