Consent orders.
Edwards Family Law is a team of experienced divorce solicitors based in London, specialising in all financial matters arising from separation or divorce, including consent orders.
FAQs
What is a Consent Order?
A consent order is the legally binding document recording the agreement reached between divorcing couples. At Edwards Family Law, we have helped many clients over the years in reaching a quick and fair financial settlement without the need to go to court, and therefore saving time, money and emotional energy. Quick to spot the issues in a case, we can advise you as soon as possible in your initial meeting what the likely parameters are of settlement are, and how best to achieve your desired outcomes so that you can focus on what really matters.
What can a consent order include?
- Financial claims such as capital, income and pensions to be distributed;
- End date for claims, to stop them continuing indefinitely;
- Enforcement for delayed or withheld maintenance payments from an ex-spouse;
- Obligations for certain assets such as pensions to be paid.
The consent order is the only means by which you can be certain that any agreement will be upheld by both spouses.
Do I need to provide disclosure to get a consent order?
The court requires both parties to file a ‘Statement of Information for a Consent Order in relation to a Financial Remedy’ form (often referred to as Form D81). This sets out brief details of the parties’ financial position and relevant circumstances and facts of the case. This enables the judge to assess whether they think the order is reasonable in all the circumstances.
The Statement includes information such as the ages of the parties, details of any dependent children, the capital and income of the parties and whether they are in a new relationship.
With this information, the court should usually be able to determine whether the terms of the consent order are reasonable.
However, there will be instances where the judge is not satisfied, and they may require more information. In some (very rare) instances the court may require the parties to attend court to explain why the order should be made. Generally, if an order is agreed and drafted with the benefit of legal advice, the order should be approved.
If the court approves the order, it will be sealed and copies will be sent to both parties, or their solicitors. If the contents of your consent order are very straightforward, and it can be filed via the online Government Portal, the court usually takes 4 to 6 weeks to process the application.
Initial Consultation
During a initial consultation with our experienced divorce solicitors and family solicitors, you can expect a comprehensive discussion about divorce in the UK (England and Wales). We’ll walk you through the process of how to get a divorce, covering important topics such as the divorce application, laws on divorce and your financial rights and obligations following a divorce.
Our lawyers will provide insight into divorce law, including no-fault divorce, and help you understand the divorce process, including divorce filing and court proceedings. We’ll also discuss the cost of divorce, giving you a clear picture of what to expect financially. Our team of solicitors also can provide comprehensive legal guidance in issues such as child arrangements (also known as “child custody”), spousal support, and property division.
We’re here to assist you in every aspect of getting a divorce or family issue, making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Whether you’re seeking advice on family arrangements or need guidance on a divorce consent order our experts in family law are here to help.
We endeavour to respond to all new enquiries within a few hours but sometimes with other commitments such as court hearings, that might not be possible. At most, we will get back to you within 24 hours. If you require urgent or immediate assistance, please contact the team by email contact@edwardsfamilylaw.co.uk, flagging the urgency and we will do whatever we can to assist, if proportionate and possible on the facts of your individual case.
Meet our Lawyers
Kelly Edwards
Managing PartnerWith over 15 years experience in dealing with Complex Family Law matters, Kelly will be able to guide you through any aspect of your case with speed and ease.
Daniel Chalmers
PartnerDan has significant experience in all aspects of family law. He specialises particularly in marital breakdown and associated financial matters, representing clients in High Net Worth disputes involving assets in multiple jurisdictions. In recent years Dan has represented numerous Ultra High Net Worth individuals including sports professionals and celebrities having worked at a top Central London media and entertainment law firm.
Sarah Walker
Junior PartnerSarah Walker trained as a corporate lawyer at Clifford Chance where she worked in the London and Singapore offices before becoming a family lawyer in 2017.
Chloë Ashman
Associate SolicitorChloë’s legal practice encompasses all aspects of financial remedy, Schedule 1, private children and prenuptial and post nuptial agreements.
Chiara Longo
Associate SolicitorChiara specialises in financial matters, representing clients in high net worth disputes involving a variety of complex asset structures. She also handles all aspects of private law children cases, especially cases involving allegations of domestic abuse or alienation. Chiara has experience advising musicians, influencers, celebrities and people in the public eye.
Charlotte Lanning
Senior AssociateCharlotte has a vast array of experience in all of the issues that can arise from relationship breakdown with a particular focus on complex financial matters, often with an international dimension
Isobel Rarok
Senior AssociateIsobel is experienced in all aspects of marital breakdown and dealing with High Net Worth and complex financial matters together with advising on pre and post nuptial agreements
Kate Pooler
Associate SolicitorKate advises on all aspects of family law, including marital breakdown, financial remedy, Schedule 1 Children Act cases, pre- and post-nuptial agreements, concerns around behaviour associated with relationship breakdown and all matters relating to co-parenting
Charlotte Stringer
Assistant SolicitorCharlotte advises on all aspects of family law arising from the breakdown of a marriage including marital breakdown, financial settlements, private law children matters and non-molestation and occupation orders.
Edmund Shaw
Assistant SolicitorEdmund’s family law experience encompasses all stages of divorce proceedings, including complex financial arrangements, varied asset structures, private law children matters, and occupation orders.
Honor Calvert
ParalegalHonor studied English Literature at Durham University and is currently undertaking a Masters in Law (SQE1) at the University of Law. Alongside her studies, Honor works as a part-time Paralegal at Edward’s Family Law, assisting with a variety of matters across different cases.