Property consent orders
Ultimately, dividing property is all about equity and fairness.
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Separated or Divorced?
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- Have you separated and need to finalise your property relationship?
- Have you and your ex-partner already reached an agreement on splitting your property?
- Do you need to document the agreement so you can move forward with your life separately?
Property settlement agreement
We always recommend settling amicably with your former partner through a financial agreement if possible. Coming together to make mutually beneficial arrangements around asset division can save you time and much emotional pain.
Financial agreements must be organised within a year of your divorce or two years after a de facto relationship breakdown unless the court recognises special circumstances warrant a time extension.
Property Consent Orders
A property consent order is a financial settlement between ex-partners approved by the family court and then made into a court order. Consent orders set up for property disputes have the same legal standing as any other court order.
The family court must recognise that the property agreement is fair before making a consent order. The guidelines set out in the Family Law Act determine what constitutes fairness.
The family court generally attempts to ensure there isn’t a need to come back and dispute when making consent orders on property. Therefore, it is worth getting a good lawyer to work with upfront.
Contesting consent orders
Consent orders are difficult to remove once granted. After all, the court doesn’t want court orders contested frivolously. However, you may have a consent order set aside for the following reasons.
There was a fraud (dishonesty)
Hardship regarding children's care, welfare and development
A party may request that the court change or withdraw financial orders due to hardship from changes to their child’s circumstances. For example, a child may develop a health condition requiring expensive medical treatment that would cause the party significant financial hardship under the current orders.
The orders are impractical to carry out (not just inconvenient)
Family law places a high burden on parties trying to contest a consent order. As such, arguing an order is inconvenient or challenging to carry out is not an excuse. However, you may have a case if you can prove an order is unworkable due to changed circumstances.
For example, if one party declares bankruptcy, a trustee vested with their property may apply to set aside an order. A creditor may also apply for a withdrawal due to an order impeding their ability to recover a debt.
Step 1: Identify asset pool
The court must identify all the assets and liabilities in the marital asset pool. Any failure to fully disclose all relevant information at this stage by either party has serious legal consequences and will nullify the order.
Step 2: Determine contributions
At this stage, the court will determine the relative contributions of each party to the marriage. This calculation includes assets brought into the marriage and even assets received after separation.
Financial contributions are not the only important considerations. Non-financial contributions also count to protect the interests of a party with fewer financial means. Non-financial contributions may include child-rearing, homemaking, and renovations to the marital home.
Step 3: Future needs
The court order must account for the parties’ future needs. Here, the court will consider as many factors as it deems relevant, including:
Future earning capacity;
Child-rearing obligations;
Age and health;
The financial conditions of any new relationship.
Step 4: A just and equitable outcome
The final step is for the court to review the order and ensure its practical effect is just and equitable for both parties. Without this condition, the court will revise the order.
This dedication to a fair division of property makes consent orders stricter than a binding financial agreement which offers spouses more latitude over what terms they set out.
Consent orders vs binding financial agreements
Consent orders and binding financial agreements are both legally binding financial arrangements but have different requirements. The primary difference is that consent orders involve applying to the court, which means that the order must meet the court’s strict standard of fairness.
Parties establish binding financial agreements without the court’s oversight. However, to make such an agreement a legal contract, both parties must receive independent legal advice and certify that they understand the agreement’s implications on their interests. Without the requirement for a just and equitable result, binding financial agreements can be more flexible but potentially create an unfair outcome.
Work with us today
Property Consent orders protect spouses seeking a divorce by enforcing your right to a fair property division. Obtain legal advice from a lawyer before signing property consent orders or entering any property agreement. Anyone looking to secure court orders must follow the application procedure correctly.
Shanahan Family Law will ensure you receive the financial support you need to move forward with your life after divorce. Contact us today for an initial consultation to understand your options.
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Secure Your Future with Fair Property Consent Orders on the Gold Coast
Are you facing uncertainty with your property division post-separation? Shanahan Family Law is here to guide you through obtaining Property Consent Orders, ensuring a fair and legally binding agreement. Protect your assets and peace of mind with expert legal support. Take the first step towards a secure future today.
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