Consent Orders

Practical Legal Advice for Legally Binding Settlements After Separation

Need a Financial Consent Order in Divorce?

When a couple separates, dividing finances and property is only part of the process. To make sure an agreement reached is legally binding, you’ll need a consent order. At Holland Family Law, our solicitors guide you through every step of applying for a consent order, from drafting the document to submitting it to the court for approval.

Book a confidential 30-minute consultation to discuss your consent order options.

What Consent Orders Cover?

Drafting a Consent Order

We help determine a fair division of savings, property, pensions and investments—balancing both parties’ contributions and needs.

Spousal Maintenance and Lump-Sum Orders

If ongoing payments are needed, we can include spousal maintenance or lump sums in the order, set at a level that’s fair to both sides.

Formalising Agreements

A consent order records the financial settlement between you and your former partner. Once the court approves the terms, the consent order is a legal binding document. It closes off future claims so neither party can bring a new financial claim later.

Clean Breaks and Future Claims

Where suitable, we include clean-break clauses. These prevent any future claims, giving both parties financial independence once the final order (previously decree absolute) is made.

Child Maintenance

While the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) usually manages child support, you can still record agreed arrangements alongside the order so responsibilities are clear.

Supporting Documents and Court Fees

When applying for a consent order, you’ll need a Statement of Information form D81 so the judge can see the full picture. There will be court fees, which can vary depending on the case.

STEP ONE

Initial Consultation

We review your situation and provide clear legal advice on whether a consent order is appropriate.

STEP TWO

Drafting the Order

We prepare the wording to match what you’ve agreed, ensuring the order will work in practice.

STEP THREE

Apply to the Court

You apply to the court on paper with Form D81 and the draft order. A judge checks that the agreement reached is sensible before approval. No hearing is usually required.

Timing note: you can apply once a decree nisi (now called a conditional order) has been granted. The order takes effect when the final order is made (previously decree absolute).

Consent Orders | Practical Legal Advice for Legally Binding Settlements After Separation

Who We Help

Our solicitors support:

  • Couples who have reached a financial agreement and want a court order that is enforceable
  • Civil partners formalising their separation
  • Clients seeking a clean break to prevent future claims
  • Those including spousal maintenance or lump-sum payments in their settlement
  • Parents recording arrangements alongside CMS provisions

We adapt our advice to your circumstances, ensuring your consent order is approved and provides certainty.

Book your Free No-Obligation 30-minute consultation today – Expert Legal Support is just a call away.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

From the moment I started to talk too Holland Family Law, they made me feel at ease with the possible situation that may be in store for me.  They answered all my questions with exceptional professionalism and clarity and with a sympathetic ear.  Thank you for your help.  I would recommend your firm thank you again.

Mr P, Leicester, December 2024

Holland Family Law have been fantastic on helping me deal with my divorce. They have guided me at every stage and explained the process to me so that I felt empowered throughout the whole process. They have always been at the end of the phone and respond to emails promptly which has put me at ease at such a difficult time. They were brilliant at explaining things in such a way so that I understand and can make informed decisions. I would highly recommend the whole firm.”

Ms BC, Lincs, February 2025

Just cannot thank you enough for all the help and support provided by the HFL Team, not just for me but especially for my daughters too. Thank you so much, it’s all much appreciated.

Mr F, Leicester, July 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Without a court order, either party could still make a financial claim in the future. A consent order shuts down future claims.

Yes. You can apply to the court on paper. A judge will review it without a hearing in most cases.

Timescales vary depending on the court’s workload. Straightforward applications are often approved within a few weeks.

It’s strongly recommended. Independent legal advice helps ensure fairness and that the court approves the terms.

You’ll need a Statement of Information form D81, the draft order and details of your finances, so the judge can understand the position.

Yes. Once the consent order is approved, it’s enforceable and prevents future claims unless a change is later granted by the court.

After the decree nisi (the conditional order) has been made. The order becomes effective when the final order is made (previously decree absolute).

Arrangements can be recorded, though the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) generally deals with ongoing assessments.

Yes. If circumstances shift significantly, you can apply to the court to vary certain terms, such as spousal maintenance.

Talk to Holland Family Law

A well-drafted consent order offers closure and clarity. Whether you need help to draft a consent order, include spousal maintenance, manage court fees or complete Form D81, our team is here to help.

Book your 30-minute consultation with Holland Family Law today.

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