What is a consent order in family law?
A consent order is a written agreement between separated parents or partners that a court approves, making it legally binding and enforceable — without either of you having to go to a court hearing. It's a common, cost-effective way to formalise parenting or property arrangements. Here's how it works.
What it can cover
Consent orders can set out parenting arrangements (who children live with and spend time with) and property or financial settlement. Once made, they carry the same legal weight as orders made after a hearing.
How you get one
You lodge an application for consent orders with the court, setting out the agreed terms. The court checks the arrangements are appropriate — for parenting, that they're in the child's best interests; for property, that they're just and equitable.
Why it's worth doing
An informal agreement isn't enforceable on its own. A consent order makes it binding, which protects both people and avoids future disputes.
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Is a consent order legally binding?
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