Consent Orders are entered into between the parties if they have been able to negotiate and agree on either parenting or property arrangements. There are significant risks to leaving any agreement with respect to these matters as informal and not documented. Verbal and informal agreements on parenting and property arrangements following divorce or separation can cause issues between the parties at a later stage. From one party claiming that there was a misunderstanding, to attempting to change what was agreed upon to suit personal circumstances, verbal and informal agreements are never recommended to settle any parenting or property arrangements.
Consent order documents formalise the agreement between the parties and are filed with the Family Court. They can be made at any time before a judge makes final orders. If Consent Orders are entered into and filed with the Court, no physical Court appearance is required.
The consent orders are reviewed by a Registrar of the Court prior to the Court making the Orders to ensure the property orders are just and equitable and adhere with the Family Law Act and principles. In the case of parenting orders, the Registrar of the Court ensures that they are in the best interests of the children involved before making the orders.
Consent orders provide certainty, security and protection to each party in the most cost effective manner. Our team of experienced family lawyers work closely with our clients to reach an agreement on parenting and property arrangements following divorce or separation, and assist clients prepare and document these arrangements accurately. Contact our family lawyers to work with you through the process of reaching an agreement on parenting and property arrangements.