In a second form "Repor"t: there is a Lookup field" that returns the value of of the client status.

If the status is "not approved "I basically need to terminate data entry and gently boot off the user and get them to fix the client status.

I do not really want to use the validate script on submission as it will annoy the user no end to lose the date entered after completing the form.

I guess that i could hide all the fields in the form but it seems a bit inelegant ... any ideas would be appreciated.

After 1/2 an hour in the hot-tub I guess a pragmatic solution is to start with all form fields hidden and then "show" if status is "approved"  . No "approvee" no "showee"