Consent Orders & Binding Financial Agreements
When you and your former partner reach agreement, it’s important to formalise that outcome so everyone has certainty and legal protection. Wallen Family Law provides clear, practical advice to clients across Sydney and the Northern Beaches, including Greater South Sydney and Wollongong, on both Consent Orders and Binding Financial Agreements (BFAs).
Through our fixed-fee family law services, we help you determine which option best suits your circumstances — whether that involves Court-approved Consent Orders for parenting or property matters, or a tailored BFA dealing with assets, superannuation and spousal maintenance. Our focus is on giving you clarity, cost certainty and confidence as you move forward.
How Our Family Lawyers in Sydney & Northern Beaches Guide You Through the Process
We provide advice and representation across all areas of Consent Orders and Binding Financial Agreements, including:
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Parenting consent orders formalise arrangements about where children live, the time they spend with each parent, and parental responsibility for decisions like schooling and health.
We draft child-focused orders that are practical and enforceable, ensuring your children’s wellbeing is protected.
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Property consent orders confirm how assets and liabilities will be divided following separation.
These can include the family home, investments, superannuation, businesses, or debts. We draft and file these orders with the Court to ensure your agreement is binding and enforceable.
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BFAs (sometimes referred to as “prenups” or “post-separation agreements”) are private agreements that deal with financial arrangements before, during, or after a relationship. They can cover property division, spousal maintenance, or both.
Unlike consent orders, they don’t require Court approval but must meet strict legal requirements to be valid.
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Consent orders are generally the preferred option where possible, because they are approved by the Court and carry strong enforceability.
BFAs can be useful in certain circumstances — such as protecting assets at the start of a relationship, or where parties prefer a private agreement. We advise you on which option best suits your situation.
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Whether it’s consent orders or a BFA, we ensure the terms reflect your wishes, protect your interests, and comply with legal requirements. We can draft new agreements or review documents prepared by another lawyer to give you certainty before signing.
Common Questions About Consent Orders & BFAs
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No. If both parties agree, consent orders are filed with the Family Court and approved by a Registrar without you needing to attend court.
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Yes, if prepared correctly. Both parties must receive independent legal advice, and the agreement must comply with strict legal requirements.
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Consent orders are generally preferred after separation, as they are approved by the Court and highly enforceable. BFAs are often used at the start of relationships or in specific circumstances.
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Consent orders can be varied if both parties agree, or in limited circumstances by court order. BFAs can sometimes be set aside if not properly prepared, if there was fraud or duress, or in a range of other circumstances.
Next Steps
Whether you need to finalise parenting arrangements, divide property, or protect assets with a financial agreement, we’re here to guide you. We make the process clear, supportive, and cost-effective and offer fixed fee family law services for certainty and peace of mind.
Book a free 15-minute consultation today to discuss your situation with us.
You may also find these links helpful:
Consent Orders often form part of a broader resolution process alongside Property Settlements, Parenting Orders, and Mediation & Dispute Resolution.
If you’re unsure how timing can affect your property division, you may find our article helpful — Property Prices and the Family Court: The Consequences of Delays on Valuations.
We provide Fixed Fee Consent Orders and accept Legal Aid matters where applicable.