You're in the right place if…
If most of those sound like you, you almost certainly want consent orders — the most common and most affordable way to finalise a financial split.
“We agreed verbally — isn't that enough?”
Short answer: no. A verbal agreement, a handshake, even a signed letter between the two of you — none of those are binding. Without consent orders or a BFA, three things stay possible, even years from now.
Your former partner can come back for more
People's lives change. Without binding documents, they can lodge a claim — and the court will hear it. Pay rises, savings, inheritances, super, even property growth after separation can all still be on the table.
The bank won't refinance into one name
Banks almost always require a binding document before they'll move a mortgage and title into one person's name. Until then, both of you are still on the loan, and both of you are liable for it.
Joint debts don't disappear on their own — but consent orders give you the framework to deal with them
Until the lender releases you, you're still on a joint loan. Consent orders don't sever joint debts by themselves, but they give you the framework to do it properly: refinance into one name, transfer the asset, and lock in a written indemnity from your former partner for anything still outstanding. The good news — once the refinance is through and the indemnity is in place, you're protected on both fronts. We coordinate it with you so the bank, the title, and the paperwork all line up.
Most separated couples choose consent orders
Once you've agreed how to split things, there are two ways to make it binding: consent orders or a Binding Financial Agreement. You pick one — not both. Here's how they compare.
Not sure? Talk to our AI on this page, or call us — we'll tell you which one fits in about five minutes.
Six steps, start to sealed
Get your price
Use the AI chat on this page, get an instant quote online, or call 1300 967 552. Free, no obligation, no booking required.
Enter your details
Tell us about your relationship, children, assets, debts, and how you've agreed to split everything. At your own pace, in your own time. Save and come back later.
Sign the Costs Agreement
Once you're ready, you sign the formal Costs Agreement with MKI Legal — this is the moment we become your lawyers.
Talk to your family lawyer
Your lawyer reviews everything, answers your questions, and confirms consent orders are right for your situation. If they're not, you get a full refund.
Documents prepared and signed
We draft the application and the orders. You read them, ask any questions, and then both of you sign.
We lodge with the court
We file with the Court. The court typically reviews and seals within 2–6 weeks. Once sealed, they're legally binding.
What it costs — fixed, published, in writing
Consent Orders
Traditional law firm
The things people worry about
“What if my former partner won't agree at the last minute?”
We go over the shape of the agreement with you up front, so there are no surprises on your former partner's side. If you need help getting to an agreement first, a 30-minute paid lawyer consult is available to run through your options. If they push back once drafting is underway, our fixed-fee negotiation service can help with smaller disagreements — but most matters never need it.
“What if the AI gets something wrong?”
The AI helps us draft and organise. A real Australian family lawyer reviews every consent order before it's lodged — named, accountable, registered with the Law Society, and insured. If the document has a problem, the lawyer fixes it.
“What if the court rejects our agreement?”
A court registrar reviews every consent order against the “just and equitable” standard. Our lawyer reviews your matter before lodging to make sure it meets that standard. If we don't think the court will approve what you've agreed, we'll tell you up front — and your money is refundable at that stage.
Backed by MKI Legal. Real Australian family lawyers. Hundreds of consent orders prepared every year.
Wherever you are in Australia, the law is the same — and so are we.
Family law in Australia is federal law. The Family Law Act 1975 applies the same way in every state and territory — so a consent order, BFA or prenup we prepare is valid right across the country.
Currently serving clients in NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA, TAS & the ACT. Northern Territory coming soon.
Want to read more before you decide?
Consent order questions
Technically yes — the court provides the form. In practice it's complex and easy to get wrong; rejections cause weeks of delay. We do this every day, at a fixed price, with a refund if we don't think it'll work.
No. You need to be separated. Divorce is a separate process and isn't required. (Married couples have 12 months after divorce to apply for a property division; de facto couples have 2 years from separation.)
No. For consent orders, only one party needs a lawyer. The other party can get their own advice if they want (we recommend a brief sanity check), but it isn't a legal requirement.
No — a lawyer can only act for one party. The other party can choose to get their own legal advice. The court approving the order is what protects both of you.
From signing the Costs Agreement to signed-and-ready-to-lodge: usually 2–4 weeks. Court approval after lodging: typically another 2–6 weeks.
House and mortgage, bank accounts and savings, superannuation (via a super split), cars, investments, shares, business interests, personal loans and credit card debts — the full asset and debt picture, divided clearly.
When the title transfers under sealed consent orders, the stamp duty can be as low as $20 — instead of the full transfer rate, which can be thousands of dollars.
Our lawyer will tell you at the review stage. If consent orders aren't right, we refund you and explain what would fit — a post-separation BFA, a court application, or a mediation referral.
