Consent Order in the UK
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Legally binding agreements on finances, property, and childcare. Guided by mediation, approved by the court.
Secure Your Financial and Family Agreements
When you and your ex-partner reach an agreement about finances, property, or maintenance after a divorce, the next step is making sure it’s legally binding. That’s where a consent order comes in. Without it, either of you could make future claims against the other, even years later. At Family Law Mediation, we help you draft, apply for, and submit a consent order so that the court approves your agreement and your financial settlement is secure.
What Is a Consent Order in Family Court?
A consent order in the UK is a court order confirming the financial agreement you and your ex-partner have reached. It becomes legally binding once approved by a judge. The order can cover:
- Division of property, savings, pensions, and investments
- Spousal maintenance
- Child maintenance payments (or arrangements alongside the Child Maintenance Service)
- Debts and financial responsibilities
By having a consent order in place, you stop any future claims for money, property, or assets once your decree absolute is granted.
Why Do You Need a Consent Order in Divorce?
Here’s the thing: divorce alone does not end financial ties. Even after a decree nisi or decree absolute, your ex could still make financial claims unless you have a consent order approved by the court.
A consent order:
- Protects your assets from future claims
- Ensures financial security after separation
- Makes your agreement fair and enforceable
- Provides clarity over child and spousal maintenance
- Avoids costly disputes later on
The Consent Order Process
We keep the consent order process straightforward. Here’s how it works:
Reach an Agreement
Draft Consent Order
Statement of Information (Form D81)
Apply to the Court
Court to Approve
Legally Binding
Sample of Consent Order
Clients often ask what a consent order looks like. While every case is unique, a typical order includes:
✔ Details of property division
✔ Pension sharing agreements
✔ Spousal or child maintenance terms
✔A clean break clause (preventing further financial claims)
We can provide a sample of the consent order outline during your consultation so you know what to expect.
Book a Free Consultation | Speak to a Mediator Today
Legally binding agreements on finances, property, and childcare. Guided by mediation, approved by the court.
Why Choose Family Law Mediation For MIAM?
➤ Experienced mediators specialising in financial consent orders
➤ Step-by-step support from mediation to submission
➤ Cost-effective, confidential service
➤ Help with property, pensions, maintenance, and child arrangements
➤ Peace of mind knowing your agreement is legally binding
Divorce can be overwhelming, but securing your financial settlement doesn’t have to be. With the proper guidance, you can apply for a consent order, get court approval, and move forward with confidence. We provide family law mediation services across Leicester, Tamworth, Nottingham, Derby, Coventry, and Birmingham.
Frequently Asked Questions About Consent Orders
What is a consent order in the UK, and why is it important?
What does a consent order include?
How much does a consent order cost?
When can I apply for a consent order?
Can a judge reject a consent order?
What happens without a consent order?
Is a consent order legally binding?
Yes. Once approved by the court, a consent order becomes legally binding. It formalises any financial or property agreement reached between both parties and prevents future financial claims.
Do we need to have been married to get a consent order?
Consent orders apply specifically to couples who have been legally married or in a civil partnership. If you’ve never been married, other legal routes may apply for formalising financial arrangements.
Can a consent order include child maintenance?
Yes, a consent order can include basic child maintenance arrangements. However, the Child and in some cases, their involvement may be more appropriate depending on the circumstances.
What documents are required to apply for a consent order?
You’ll typically need a draft consent order and a completed D81 form (also known as a financial statement), which outlines each party’s financial situation. Both documents are submitted to the court for approval.
What is a D81 form?
The D81 form is a joint financial disclosure document submitted as part of your application. It helps the court assess whether the terms of the consent order are fair to both parties.
Can pensions be included in a consent order?
Yes. Pensions can be divided or shared as part of the financial agreement and must be included in the consent order if they’re part of the settlement. A Pension Sharing Annex may also be required.
Is mediation confidential?
Mediation is confidential. This means discussions held during sessions cannot be used in court unless both parties agree. It’s designed to provide a safe and constructive environment for open dialogue.
Can I get a consent order after the divorce is finalised?
Yes, you can apply for a consent order after your divorce is finalised. It’s common for couples to reach an agreement through mediation post-divorce and then apply to have that agreement legally recognised.
Contact Us
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Family Law Mediation Leicester (Head Office)
First Floor
60 Charles Street
Leicester
LE1 1FB
Opening Times
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
Weekend appointments are available on request
*We can offer a limited number of pre-arranged mediation sessions outside of office hours subject to agreement and availability. All mediation sessions are held either at our offices or remotely via video conferencing software e.g. Zoom.