This answer applies to a divorce progressing in England and Wales. You should endeavour to negotiate your financial settlement at the same time as discussing the divorce itself. A financial order is a separate document to those documents arising from the divorce (e.g. your Decree Nisi or Decree Absolute) and it records your financial settlement/deals with all other financial obligations that might have arisen between you and your spouse because of your marriage. Even if you think that there is nothing to sort out financially, you should still take expert legal advice as an order is always strongly recommended. Unless and until a final order is made, all potential financial claims remain open. See our dedicated page on divorce finance. If you have agreed financial terms, they should be recorded in a draft court order. You cannot file a draft order with the court, requesting approval by the District Judge, until you have passed the date of your Decree Nisi. There are special rules applicable to Scottish financial settlements, and expert advice should be sought.