What is the Difference between a Consent Order, a Parenting Plan, and a Parenting Court Order?
Consent Orders
When you and your ex-partner agree on arrangements for your child or children, you can apply to the court for orders that reflect this agreement. These are known as consent orders. Consent orders are court orders that specify what both parents must do. They hold the same legal force as if a judge had decided after a hearing. If you violate a court order, you are breaking the law, and the court may impose penalties.
Consent orders usually involve the child’s parents; other relatives can also make consent orders concerning children related to them.
Parenting Plans
If you and the other parent agree on parenting matters, you can create a parenting plan instead of applying for consent orders. A parenting plan is a less formal written agreement regarding arrangements for your child or children. It can be on any paper; no specific format is required, and it does not need to be filed in court. Parenting plans can be brief or detailed and written in plain language or legal terms as long as the agreement is clear.
You can draft a parenting plan yourself or with help from a counsellor or a friend. While you don’t need a lawyer to create a parenting plan, you can seek legal advice if desired. A parenting plan serves as a written document that you can refer to instead of relying on a verbal agreement. It can be modified easily (as long as both parties agree) without having to go to court.
An agreement can only qualify as a parenting plan if it is made without any threat, coercion, or pressure. Parenting plans must be in writing, dated, and signed by each parent or involved person.
It’s important to understand that a parenting plan is not a court order. If you do not follow a parenting plan, you are not breaking the law. However, if the plan is violated, the other party may bring the issue to court. The court will review any existing parenting plans and may ask for an explanation regarding the violation. Additionally, if a parenting plan is signed after a consent order has been issued, it might take precedence over the consent order. If the parenting plan differs from the consent order, you cannot rely on the consent order or claim it has been violated. It is advisable to seek legal advice before signing any agreements.
Parenting Orders
If you and your ex-partner cannot agree on arrangements for your child or children, you must apply to the court for a parenting order. A parenting order is a court order that outlines your parental responsibilities and arrangements for your child or children. Not following a parenting order may also constitute breaking the law, and the courts could impose penalties.
Who Can You Talk To About Consent Orders?
If you need someone to talk to about a consent order specifically or have general questions about consent orders, Kate Austin Family Law can help. We are dedicated to Consent Orders in NSW and Queensland. When it comes to consent orders Family Court can be a complicated place, and it pays to have somebody like Kate Austin Family Law on your side.
When it comes to consent orders family law professionals at Kate Austin have got you covered. They offer fixed price the consent orders to ensure you aren’t caught out by high, unexpected fees. Get on online instant Quote here. There’s no reason to put off getting the process started for your consent order with the Kate Austin team. They can help you get consent orders Family Court are likely to approve. if You have questions as to why you should Consent Orders over a parenting plan please get in touch with Kate Austin Family Law today and you can feel confident that you are getting the information on consent orders you’ve been looking for.
Additional information can be found at The Family Court Website.
