Consent Orders Canberra: Fixed Fee Family Law Service.
Property Settlements from $4730 plus court fees
We provide fixed-fee Consent Orders in Canberra for property settlements and parenting matters
You’re here for a good reason.
- You have an agreement and want it to be legally binging
- You are amicable and your matter finalized quickly without outside interference
- ACT allows for stamp duty exemptions, and you want to be eligible.
- Superannuation Splitting requires a court order.
- The quotes you have been given for Consent Orders in Canberra could be more realistic. There is no reason to pay over $5000 each.
- You have a Simple Separation that shouldn't cost the earth.
Who are we?
- We are a specialised Family Law firm with more than 25 years of experience. We are accredited specialists in Family Law in both NSW and Queensland. We provide Consent Orders in Canberra at a fixed fee.
- We do not interfere with your agreement.
- We have extensive experience in defined benefit superannuation for PSS and Military Superannuation
Welcome to our Consent Orders Solutions for Canberra
- Legally Binding Agreements: An explanation of how informal agreements are converted into enforceable court orders through the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
- Property and Financial Settlements: Guidance on how assets, debts, and superannuation are divided to achieve a “just and equitable” outcome.
- Parenting Arrangements: Information on formalising schedules, parental responsibility, and communication protocols to provide stability for children.
- Who It Is For: Specifically tailored for separating or divorcing couples in Canberra and the surrounding ACT region who have reached an agreement and want to avoid the stress of a court trial.
- The Process and Timeline: A breakdown of the steps involved in drafting your agreement, filing the application for Consent Orders and obtaining the sealed orders from the court.
- The Importance of Finality: Insights into why these orders are the most effective way to prevent future claims and provide a clean break for both parties.
Applying For Consent Orders
What Do You Need Help With?
Property Settlement - fixed fee $4730.00 –
Financial agreements at a fixed fee. Our fees include all elements of a property settlement. Download a quote, and we will guarantee you our fees for the next six months
*Fees are for both parties and include GST
The Step-by-Step Process for Obtaining Consent Orders for property matters and parenting in Canberra
What is the difference between a BFA and Consent Orders in a Property Settlement
Agreement
- Step 1: Parties must reach a mutual agreement on all issues relevant to them, such as asset division, parenting orders, property orders , and spousal maintenance via negotiation, mediation, or lawyers.
- Step 2: Agreement must be formally documented in Consent Orders. This includes the application for Consent Orders form and the Minute of Consent Orders.
- Step 3: Both parties must sign the prepared consent orders.
- Submission Process
- Step 4: Submit the completed application for consent orders and supporting documents to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, electronically via the Commonwealth Courts Portal, with a filing fee of $215 as of 2025.
- Step 5: A Registrar or Judge reviews the application, ensuring the proposed parenting arrangements are in the best interests of the child and property orders are “just and equitable”
Final Step:
- Once all legal requirements are met, the court approves and “seals” the orders, making them legally binding and enforceable.
The process of getting Consent Orders.
The Key Differences Summarised:
Fixed Fee Parenting Orders – $3774.00 plus court fees
Kate Austin Family Law will prepare cost-effective Parenting Orders to make your parenting plans legally binding in just 24 hours. We are Accredited Specialists in Family Law with over 25 years of experience.
*Fees are for both parties and include GST
Questions about Parenting orders in Canberra
The main advantage of obtaining Consent Orders in the ACT Family Court is the peace of mind that it gives to both parties. A Consent Order will finalise your matter in relation to your property settlement and ensure that neither party is able to come back in the future for another settlement. Parenting Consent Orders will also set in stone future arrangements for your children so that neither party can change their mind if the circumstances change in the future. Whilst there are costs associated with obtaining Consent Orders, most people find that this is far outweighed by the benefits.
Consent Order applications are completed in a cost-effective manner for both married and defacto relationships.
The main advantage of obtaining Consent Orders in Canberra is the peace of mind it gives both parties regarding their agreed financial arrangements and parental responsibility.
A Consent Order will finalise your matter in relation to your property settlement and ensure that neither party is able to come back in the future for another settlement. Parenting Consent Orders will also set in stone future arrangements for your children so that neither party can change their mind if the circumstances change in the future.
Whilst there are costs associated with obtaining Consent Orders, most people find that this is far outweighed by the benefits of the agreements.
Here is a summary of what parenting orders are:
- Definition: Parenting orders are legal orders made by a court regarding the care and welfare arrangements for a child. They allocate parental responsibilities between parties such as where the child lives, parental responsibility, and shared arrangements for the family.
- Purpose: They determine arrangements for a child when parents cannot agree. Either parent can apply to the court for a decision. Consent Orders create a set of “Rules” that are designed to create a stable environment that is in the best interests of the children.
- Consent Orders do not enforce your Child support agreement.
- Content: Parenting orders can cover various aspects, including who the children will live with and all aspects of care and welfare.
- Basis: The court makes parenting orders based on the best interests of the child. The Family Law Act guides the court’s considerations.
- Agreement: A court can make a parenting order based on an agreement between parents.
- Parental Responsibility: Parenting orders define who can make decisions about the children.
Here’s what you need to know about Form 11 in Family Law:
- Purpose: Form 11 is the Application for Consent Orders. It’s used to apply for court approval of an agreement reached between parties regarding property settlement or other family law matters.
- Content: It’s a prescribed form issued by the Family Court that contains details about the parties, children (if applicable), and the specifics of the agreement they’ve reached.
- Requirement: Along with Form 11, you also need to file a Minute of Consent Orders.
- Who Uses It: While legal practitioners have a specific version, there’s also an “Application for Consent Orders Kit” with instructions for unrepresented litigants.
- Prompt Filing: The application should be filed promptly, potentially within 90 days of a certain date (unclear from the provided context what that date refers to).
- Exclusions: Form 11 cannot be used for step-parent maintenance or child support covered by the Child Support (Assessment) Act 1989.
Parenting orders can include the following:
- Living arrangements: Who the child will live with.
- Time spent: How much time the child will spend with each of the parents and with other significant people, such as grandparents. The time spent with the other parent can be agreed upon or defined in order.
- Parental responsibility: This includes:
- Education
- Religious and cultural upbringing
- Health
- Name
- Changes to their living arrangements
- Other considerations:
- Telephone/email/Skype communication
- Holidays
- Special occasions
- Travel or transport costs
- Children’s Activities
- Medical matters
- Minor incidental financial aspects of arrangements for children.
It’s important to note that a parenting order is a court-made legal order, and each person affected by it must follow it. Parenting arrangements can be informal or formal agreements. A parenting order is a formal, legally binding arrangement.
Kate Austin and Parenting Consent Orders in Canberra
Kate Austin Family law will prepare Parenting Orders to make your parenting plans legally binding in just 24Hrs. We are Accredited Specialists in Family Law with over 20 years’ experience in creating legally binding Consent Orders. We will follow your instructions to the letter to ensure we document your agreement. It may include parental responsibility, day-to-day care of your children, and parenting arrangements in your children’s best interests.
Fees are for both parties, including GST for the court orders and the application for Consent Orders and will be drafted in a cost effective manner and an efficient time frame.
Stamp Duty Exemptions in Canberra
In the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), similar to other states stamp duty (known as “conveyance duty” in the ACT) exemptions are available for property transfers made as part of a family law property settlement. This provides significant financial relief for separating couples for Stamp Duty Exemptions in Canberra ACT
Legislation for Stamp Duty Exemption in ACT:
The relevant legislation in the ACT that provides for this exemption is primarily the Duties Act 1999 (ACT), which works in conjunction with the Commonwealth’s Family Law Act 1975 (Cth).
Specifically, the key provisions are:
- Duties Act 1999 (ACT):
- This Act governs all dutiable transactions in the ACT. It contains various exemptions, and importantly, it defers to the Family Law Act for property transfers arising from relationship breakdowns. The ACT Revenue Office confirms that conveyance duty is not imposed on transfers made under the Family Law Act
- While specific sections like 90 and 90WA are not directly listed in the Duties Act, the ACT Revenue Office’s guidance explicitly states that transfers made under a court order (including Consent Orders) or a Binding Financial Agreement made under the relevant parts of the Family Law Act are exempt.
- Your Consent Orders will be cost-effective and time-effective, legally binding financial agreements drafted under the Family law act.
The process of getting Consent Orders.
Stamp duty Exemptions
Links to our most popular Consent Order Posts
- Are Consent Orders Final - Is it over?
- What can be included in Consent Orders.
- Tell me what are Consent Orders?
- What are the Benefits of Consent Orders in Canberra
- Do Consent Orders finalize the financial relationship
- What does " Just and Equitable mean" ?
- Are Consent Orders Legally Binding
- What is the process for Getting Consent Orders?
Family Law – A National Law - Consent Orders Canberra
After 30 years of practising family law in New South Wales, Kate Austin Family Law now serves clients nationwide from its Brisbane office. We utilise custom intake forms and digital signatures to effectively assist clients across Australia.
Our Practice Manager, Brendan, is available via his mobile phone for support. The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia governs family law, and while most of Australia follows the same rules, Western Australia has some variations in its system.
Our services include financial agreements into financial orders, parenting orders, including parental responsibility and the best interests of children.
Since 2018, we have successfully handled over 2,720 Consent Orders, including 179 involving parties in Canberra, showcasing our efficiency in family law matters. We foster a positive, safe relationship with our clients. Remember, this is your agreement—it truly belongs to you.
What Kate Austin will NOT do.
It's the things we don’t do that set us apart.
- We do NOT try to change your agreement.
- We do NOT negotiate between parties.
- We do NOT get involved arguments between parties.
What Kate Austin WILL do.
- We will advise jointly on our thoughts on your agreement
- We will not change your agreement
- We will only accept your matter so long as we believe that the Family Court will accept your agreement
- We are Happy to work with both parties - we are neutral and dont represent either side
What Kate Austin Will do to assist with your Consent Orders.
- Free Initial discussion about your consent orders.
- Work with both parties on drafting your agreeement
- Continual updates on the progress of your agreement.
- Access to our office to answer questions in relation to your matter.
- Drafting the application for Consent orders and theMinute of order. for submission of your application for Consent Orders to the Family Court
- Custom drafting of your agreement by Rachel Stubbs
- Suggest notations on your orders.
Associations of Which We’re Part
Get an Online Quote With No Surprises
You will be able to calculate the fixed cost based on your specific circumstances and receive a reliable quote. We have a simple pricing structure that accommodates all situations. There is a price for property settlement, with an additional cost for a superannuation splitting order if required. Additionally, we have a price for parenting orders. Parenting can be done with or without a property Settlement.
Your proposed orders for property matter or parenting orders are fixed and include the filing consent orders on your behalf.
-
Can you work with Clients in Canberra?
Answer: Yes - Family Law is the same all over Australia. So long as you are an Australian resident, we can assist you. Our clients are all over the world. If the Family court has jurisdiction over your matter, we can help. If you are not sure, just ask us.
-
Will you work with both us? - we only want 1 lawyer.
Answer: Yes, so long as you understand we are a neutral party and do not represent either of you.
-
Can you give us a fixed fee?
Answer: We only provide fixed fees. We do this because clients demand it, and it removes any disputes over fees. Please do an instant quote to see its suitable,
-
Will the Family Court accept our agreement?
Answer: We will discuss your agreement with you. If we don't think it will be accepted, we will advise you both and suggest alternate solutions with other lawyers.
The court only accepts matters based on them being “just and equitable” – this is part of our initial discussions to see if we are suitable for each other.
Our People and their roles in your matter
Brendan will be the first person you speak with at Kate Austin Family Lawyers regarding Consent Orders Canberra. He has worked alongside Rachel for over 25 years, owning and operating Family Law firms.
Brendan will discuss the consent order process and your agreement in general with you. After that, we will advise you if your matter is suitable for our service, the fixed fees, and the timeframes for completing it.
Rachel will take over your case once you have submitted all the information needed for the draft of your agreement.
She will email you after completing your first draft of your Consent Orders Canberra by the nominated evening. She will handle any necessary changes, finalise the Consent Orders, and submit the signed agreement to the Family Court.
Rachel is an Accredited specialist in Family Law and is ultimately responsible for all aspects of our practice.
Brendan Hanks
Rachel Stubbs
Five Questions about the Kate Austin Process
For filing Consent Orders with the Family Court, we prepare all the necessary documents. The required documents include:
- Application for Consent Order – Mandatory for all cases.
2. Minute of Order – A written document outlining your agreement.
3. Notice of Risk – Required only for parenting orders.
4. Letters to Superannuation Funds – Requesting approval for splitting.
5. Letters to the Court – As required.
6. Form 6 Valuations – If necessary.
7. Letters to Actuaries – Pertaining to defined benefit superannuation.
8.Any Other Correspondence – As needed for your case. If you have any questions about these documents, feel free to ask!
We are happy to have a general discussion in relation to your consent orders, as this is the first step in understanding your agreement. Our discussion will cover the following topics.
- The main aim is to see If we are suitable for you.
- Generally, see if you have an agreement that would be considered just equitable.
- To see if we both believe we are suitable to work together.
- To discuss how your property agreement would work in your situation. Asset by asset. parenting orders included.
- Explain how the structure of your agreement would be laid out in a minute of order.
- General discussions about timing disclosure and process of your proposed orders.
- Process to start consent orders with our office.
Free consultations are not useful unless you have an amicable agreement. We may direct you to a more suitable service if we are not a good fit.
Yes, we can, as long as everyone understands the rules.
1. We are a neutral party and we do not represent either of you. Our job is to draft the agreement that you have come to without any intervention.
2. Either party can obtain independent legal advice, but it will need to be obtained from another firm.
3. If we believe that we will have difficulties having your matter approved by the Family Court, we will advise you both at the same time.
4. We do not sign the certificate of independent advice on the application for consent orders as we have not provided any legal advice the either party.
5. All our conversations are general in nature refereeing to process with the Family Court and the Family court act.
No, our advice is only general in nature and references the process of obtaining Consent Orders.
Our business model is designed to assist amicable people in drafting a consent order. We are very happy to assist in all aspects of procedural advice but will not assist one party over another.
Each party is free and, if in doubt, should seek their own legal advice.
We service clients all over Australia assisting them with financial agreements especially proposed orders for property matter and financial agreements , and so long as they have jurisdiction anywhere around the world, including Canberra.
We assist married and de facto clients in property and parenting matters
Canberra is an especially important region to us because of the Demand for Defined Benefit Superannuation splitting.
No, unfortunately, we do not provide that service.
Useful Canberra Links
Family Mediation
Our Family Mediation services help separated couples reach agreements regarding their children. An independent, impartial mediator will assist parties to reduce conflict, negotiate outcomes, and develop techniques to deal with future disputes.
Mediation is available for parents, carers and other family members. Mediation helps people talk with respect and focus on the best outcome for their children.
Common topics include:
- Living arrangements
- Communication
- Co-parenting
- Decision making
- Sharing costs
At Relationships Australia Canberra & Region, we also offer a Child Informed Practice which brings your child’s perspective into the mediation process.
Through Child Informed Practice, a child consultant advocates for the needs of the child. Hearing how their child is experiencing the changes in their family life can help parents to make arrangements that are most beneficial to the child.
Family Court Canberra
State revenue Canberra
State revenue Canberra
Contact Us
Kate Austin Family Lawyers
-
Head office:
Level 54, 111 Eagle Street Brisbane QLD 4000 -
Sydney office:
Level 36, 1 Farrer Pl Sydney, NSW 2000 -
Melbourne office:
Suite 805 , Level 8, 220 Collins street Melbourne, VIC 3000 -
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 9AM – 5PM
