How Much Do Consent Orders Cost in NSW?
If you and your former partner have reached an agreement about property, one of the first questions you'll probably ask is: how much will it cost to make this legal?
It's a fair question — and one that deserves a straight answer.
The cost of consent orders in NSW varies depending on who prepares them and how complex your situation is. This article breaks down what you can expect to pay, what affects the price, and how to avoid the most common cost pitfall people run into.
What Are Consent Orders?
Consent orders are Court-approved orders that formalise an agreement between separating parties. For property matters, they confirm how assets, liabilities and superannuation will be divided. Once a Registrar of the Federal Circuit and Family Court approves them, they become legally binding and enforceable.
You don't need to attend court. The application is filed and assessed on the papers — but it does need to be prepared correctly.
What Does It Cost to Get Consent Orders in NSW?
There are two main costs to be aware of:
Court filing fees
The Federal Circuit and Family Court charges a filing fee when you lodge an Application for Consent Orders. The fee is set by the government and updated periodically. You can check current fees on the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia website. Fee reductions are available for eligible concession card holders.
Legal fees
This is where costs vary most. Lawyers generally charge in one of two ways:
Hourly rate — you pay for every letter, phone call, draft and revision. It's hard to predict the final bill.
Fixed fee — you agree on a set price upfront and that's what you pay.
For straightforward consent order matters, fixed-fee pricing gives you much more certainty — which is exactly what most people want when they're already dealing with the stress of separation.
What Affects the Cost?
Even with a fixed-fee service, the complexity of your matter affects what you'll pay. Consent orders tend to cost more when:
There are multiple properties or complex assets involved
One party is unrepresented and the process takes longer to manage
Your former partner's lawyer raises issues with the proposed terms
For straightforward matters — where both parties agree, assets are relatively simple, and superannuation splitting is straightforward — consent orders are one of the most cost-effective ways to finalise your separation legally.
Can I Do Consent Orders Without a Lawyer?
The Application for Consent Orders requires detailed financial disclosure and a correctly drafted Minute of Orders, and errors can result in the application being rejected or, worse, orders being made that don't fully protect your interests.
Most people find that the cost of getting it done properly by a lawyer is well worth it for the legal certainty it provides.
Is There a Time Limit?
Yes, and this catches people out. For married couples, you must apply for property orders within 12 months of your divorce becoming final. For de facto couples, the limit is generally 2 years from the date of separation.
If you've already agreed with your former partner, don't wait. Time limits apply even where both parties are in complete agreement.
What We Charge at Wallen Family Law
We offer fixed-fee consent order services for families across Sydney, the Northern Beaches, Wollongong and surrounding areas. Our fixed-fee guide sets out exactly what's included and what you'll pay — no hidden extras, no hourly billing surprises.
