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Property Settlement

DIY Consent Orders: Step-by-Step Guide

How to prepare and file consent orders yourself. The forms, the format, and how to get court approval without a solicitor.

Splitifi Team16 November 202412 min read

Can You DIY Consent Orders?

Yes, many people successfully file consent orders without solicitors. It works best for:

  • Simple asset pools
  • Clear agreements
  • No super splitting
  • Amicable situations

    What You Need

    Documents

    - Application for Consent Orders form

  • Minute of proposed consent orders
  • Financial statements (if property orders)

    Information

    - Full details of all assets and liabilities

  • Values for everything
  • Exact wording of proposed orders

    Step 1: Reach Full Agreement

    Before you can file, you and your ex must agree on:

  • How property will be divided
  • Who gets what assets
  • How debts are handled
  • Any spousal maintenance
  • Parenting arrangements (if applicable)

    Step 2: Draft the Orders

    Correct Format

    Orders must be:

  • In proper legal form
  • Clear and specific
  • Complete (covering everything)

    Sample Property Order Structure

    1. Property vesting orders (who gets what)

  • 2. Payment/equalisation orders 3. Transfer orders 4. Superannuation (if being split) 5. What each party keeps 6. Release clauses

    Example Wording

    *"Within 28 days, the Respondent pay the Applicant the sum of $50,000."*

    *"The property located at [address] vest in the Applicant solely."*

    Step 3: Complete the Application

    Form 11

    The Application for Consent Orders includes:

  • Party details
  • Marriage/relationship details
  • Children details
  • What orders you're seeking

    Minute of Orders

    The actual orders you want the court to make.

    Step 4: File and Pay

    Where

    File online through the Commonwealth Courts Portal or in person at a registry.

    Cost

    Filing fee: $185

    Step 5: Wait for Approval

    Timeframe

    Usually 6-12 weeks.

    What the Court Checks

    - Are orders "just and equitable"?

  • Are they properly drafted?
  • Do they make sense?

    If Queries

    The Registrar may contact you for:

  • Clarification
  • Additional information
  • Corrections

    Common DIY Mistakes

    - Incorrect legal format

  • Vague or ambiguous terms
  • Missing assets
  • Incomplete release clauses
  • Mathematical errors

    When to Get Help

    Consider professional help if:

  • Complex assets (businesses, trusts)
  • Superannuation splitting
  • Significant values at stake
  • You're unsure about anything

    Even "unbundled" services (lawyer reviews your DIY) can help.

  • Ready to Take Action?

    Use our free tools to understand your situation and plan your next steps.

    Ask me anything about divorce!

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