Consent Orders

Consent Orders are a vital aspect of family law in Australia. They’re legally binding agreements that allow parties to formalise their contracts related to property division, child care, and spousal maintenance.

Consent Orders

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    • Melbourne Family Lawyers can guide you through the complexities of Parenting Consent Orders, ensuring both parties find a fair and legally sound arrangement for child custody.
    • Navigate Financial and Property Consent Orders effortlessly with Melbourne Family Lawyers, ensuring all assets are equitably divided and legally secured.

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      Is a Lawyer Necessary to File for a Consent Order?

      While it’s possible to file for a consent order without legal representation, consulting a family lawyer is often beneficial.

      They can help ensure the order is drafted correctly, represents your interests, and meets legal requirements.

      • Avoid Complications: Having an expert guide ensures your rights are protected and the process is handled efficiently.
      • Personalised Service: At Melbourne Family Lawyers, we provide personalised solutions tailored to your unique situation.
      • Years of Experience: Our team has extensive experience crafting consent orders that comply with Australian law.

      What Our Clients Say

      “Navigating the divorce process was overwhelming until I found Melbourne Family Lawyers. Their expertise in consent orders made a huge difference. Not only did they explain everything clearly, but they also made sure that my interests were protected throughout. Their affordable pricing and genuine care for my situation made me feel I was in the right hands. I can’t thank them enough for their support.”

      – James P., Melbourne

      “I had many privacy concerns when dealing with a sensitive family matter. Melbourne Family Lawyers put those fears to rest with their highly confidential consultation and handling of my case. Their friendly team took the time to understand my unique situation and provided tailored solutions that met my needs perfectly. The outcome was more than I could have hoped for, and I highly recommend their services to anyone needing expert family law guidance.”

      – Sophia W., Melbourne

      Our Family Lawyers

      Our lawyers have vast experience in Family Law. Whether your case involves a 50 million dollar business or a suburban house, a relocation with children to Preston or Paris, or a Divorce Application in Melbourne or Mumbai, rest assured that we know how to deal with it in the best possible way and obtain the best possible result for you.

      What is a Consent Order?

      A consent order is a legal agreement between two parties that is approved and made enforceable by a court.

      The purpose of this type of order is to formalise an arrangement, often settling matters related to property, finances, or child custody. In the context of family law, consent orders in Victoria bind voluntary agreements legally, offering both parties legal protection and clearly defining obligations or rights.

      A Parenting Consent Order is a legal document that outlines the arrangements for the care, custody, and visitation of children following a divorce or separation. Both parents often agree upon these orders and then make official by a court to ensure compliance.

      A Financial Consent Order is an agreement that sets out the division of assets and liabilities between two parties following a separation or divorce.

      This includes the division of property, financial assets, and even debts. Once agreed upon, the Financial Consent Order is ratified by a court to make it legally binding.

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      How to Apply for Consent Orders

      Navigating the application process for consent orders in Melbourne can be complex, so let’s break it down step-by-step:

      1. Initial Consultation with a Lawyer:
        Your first move should be consulting a lawyer specialising in family law. They can provide tailored advice, ensuring you understand all the legal intricacies involved.
      2. Draft the Agreement:
        Both parties must agree upon the terms related to parenting, finances, or property. Work closely with your lawyer to draft a clear and precise agreement that outlines the responsibilities and entitlements of each party.
      3. Review and Sign:
        Each party and their respective legal counsel shall review the drafted agreement. Once everyone is satisfied, the agreement is signed.
      4. Prepare the Application:
        Complete the necessary court forms and attach the signed agreement. Make sure you adhere to the specific requirements and guidelines.
      5. File the Application:
        Submit the application and associated documents to the court. This can often be done online or in person at a family law registry.
      6. Await Court Review:
        The court will review your application. If satisfied that the consent orders are just and equitable, they will approve them, making them legally binding.
      7. Receive the Approved Orders:
        Once approved, you will receive a sealed copy of the consent orders. This indicates that the orders are now enforceable by law.

      Consulting a lawyer in this process isn’t just a formality—it’s crucial.

      They can help draft agreements that reflect your interests, identify potential legal pitfalls, and ensure that your application for consent orders is processed smoothly.

      The legal landscape can be intricate, and making a mistake could lead to delays or even the refusal of the order. So, legal guidance is not just advisable but often necessary.

      FAQs

      The time it takes for consent orders to be processed can vary widely depending on the complexity of your case and the specific court’s workload. Typically, it may take anywhere from several weeks to a few months. Our team at Melbourne Family Lawyers will work diligently to expedite the process.

      The cost of obtaining a consent order can be pretty variable, depending on your situation and whether you consult a lawyer.

       Legal fees can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. 

      Importantly, you’ll also need to pay an “Application for Consent Orders Filing Fee” to the court, which was around AUD $195

      Keep in mind that fees can change, and it’s always best to check the most current rates on the official court website or consult your lawyer.

       Changing a consent order after approval is possible but can be complex. It usually requires both parties to agree to the changes or substantial evidence that an evolution in the circumstances necessitates an alteration. Please consult with our experienced lawyers for guidance.

      Contact our friendly team today for a free consultation on consent orders.
      Fill out our contact form or call us at +613 9670 9677.

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