This guide, developed by the Attorney-General's Department, lets separating couples know about the options for resolving their property arrangements, from an informal agreement through to filing consent orders with the court and litigating the matter in court.
See: A guide to dividing your property and finances after separation (Attorney-General's Department)
Many separating couples agree on property division arrangements without going to court and this guide focuses on negotiating and drafting clearly written consent orders.
Consent orders can help couples resolve their financial relationship in a way that avoids the time and expense of litigation. Avoiding the courts can also result in better post-separation parenting relationships for couples with children.
This guide has been designed as a practical resource to assist separating and separated couples to prepare financial agreements and consent orders in family law property matters.
Every family is different, so the guide provides a range of examples and tips on how to negotiate and draft consent orders in property matters.
This guide is also a useful resource for legal practitioners, mediators and arbitrators who are assisting parties to resolve property disputes.
