Consent Orders Victoria: Fixed Fee Consent Orders Melbourne

Consent orders formalise the property and parenting arrangements made by divorcing or separating couples and are made legally binding by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA). Fixed fee consent orders simplify the whole process, making it faster, easier and less stressful for Victorian couples.

Fixed Fee Consent Orders Melbourne (One Upfront Price)

A fixed fee consent order avoids both court attendance and cost uncertainty: the fee is known in advance. Other than the mandatory court filing fee, there are no additional costs provided the requirements do not change.

The fixed fee can cover a parenting order, a property order or both, and includes everything needed to have the orders approved:

• Initial gathering of the agreement details through an online questionnaire or telephone consultation.
• An assessment of the agreement on what is practical and likely to be approved.
• Drafting the Application for Consent Orders and the Minute of Proposed Orders.
• Arranging for the documents to be signed and witnessed.
• Filing all documents through the court portal and handling any queries.
• Finalising the documents once the orders are approved and made legally binding.

Applying for a Consent Order in Victoria

Before applying for a consent order, both parties must make full and frank disclosure of their financial affairs and agree on the proposed arrangements. The Application for Consent Orders (Form 11) and Minute of Consent Orders are then drafted, reviewed, dated and signed.

The completed forms and supporting documents, such as financial statements, are submitted through the portal of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. A filing fee, currently $215, applies at submission.

Property Settlement Consent Orders for Victorian Couples

Property settlement consent orders, once approved, formalise the financial agreement between separating couples. They determine how each party’s assets, debts and superannuation are divided.

Both parties must fully disclose all assets, liabilities and financial resources. Concealing assets can result in penalties and the orders being set aside. To be approved, the settlement must be just and equitable for both parties. Our property settlement consent orders page explains what these orders can cover.

Parenting Consent Orders in Victoria

Parenting consent orders set out where children will live, the time they spend with each parent, schooling and healthcare arrangements. Family Dispute Resolution, a form of mediation, is often used to help parents reach agreement before the orders are drafted. Our parenting arrangements service can formalise the outcome.

Once agreement is reached, the forms are signed and submitted. A notice detailing any family violence, child abuse or risk must be included so the children’s safety can be assessed. Orders are only approved if the court considers them to be in the best interests of the children.

Filing at the Melbourne Registry of the FCFCOA

Physical copies of documents can be lodged at the Commonwealth Law Courts Building in Melbourne, but this is limited to opening hours. Electronic filing through the Commonwealth Courts Portal is easier and more convenient, and is available at any time.

Feature	Electronic Filing	In-Person Filing
Availability	24/7 through the Commonwealth Courts Portal	Registry opening hours only
Travel required	None	Visit to the Melbourne registry
Processing	Documents tracked online	Paper handling before processing
Convenience	File from anywhere in Victoria	Melbourne CBD only

Consent Orders Across Victoria: Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo and Regional VIC

All consent orders, wherever they are lodged from, formalise agreements about property settlement, spousal maintenance and parenting arrangements. Orders submitted electronically require no visits to court, making them far more convenient for regional families.

All approved consent orders in Victoria are issued by the FCFCOA. For residents of Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo and wider regional Victoria, applications are processed through the federal courts system rather than local state courts. No court attendance is necessary regardless of where each party lives, unless the agreement breaks down, which is rare. To begin, contact The Legal Drafter for a fixed fee quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a consent order cost in Victoria?

A consent order in Victoria costs a fixed professional drafting fee plus the court filing fee, currently $215. The fixed fee depends on whether the orders cover property, parenting or both, and is agreed upfront, so there are no surprise charges as the matter progresses.

Do consent orders in Victoria require a court hearing?

No, consent orders in Victoria do not require a court hearing. The application is reviewed by a Registrar of the FCFCOA on the papers. If the financial arrangements are just and equitable and any parenting arrangements are in the children’s best interests, sealed orders are issued without attendance.

Can regional Victorians apply for consent orders online?

Yes, regional Victorians can complete the entire consent order process online. Details are gathered by questionnaire or phone, documents are drafted remotely and filed through the Commonwealth Courts Portal, and the court reviews everything electronically. Location makes no difference to the process or the outcome.

This page contains general information only and does not constitute legal advice.