What can consent orders cover?
- Parenting — living arrangements, time with each parent, decision-making
- Property — division of assets, debts and superannuation
- Spousal maintenance — ongoing financial support
How do consent orders work?
Once you reach agreement (often through mediation), an application for consent orders is prepared and lodged with the court. A registrar reviews it to ensure parenting arrangements are in the children's best interests and property division is just and equitable. If satisfied, the court makes the orders — no hearing, no appearance. For a step-by-step walkthrough of the process, costs and timeframes, see our consent orders explained guide.
Consent orders vs a parenting plan vs a BFA
Consent orders are court-approved and enforceable. A parenting plan is flexible but not directly enforceable. A binding financial agreement is a private contract for financial matters. We help you choose the right instrument.
Why mediate first, then formalise?
Because consent orders only work when you actually agree — the court won't impose terms in a consent application. Mediation gets you to that agreement efficiently; consent orders lock it in. It's the complete path from dispute to durable resolution. Start with property settlement →