May 20, 2025
What is a consent order in divorce?
If you’re going through a divorce, it’s natural to have questions about what happens next, especially when it comes to finances. One term you may come across is a consent order. At Bates Wells & Braithwaite, our solicitors in Ipswich are here to explain what it means and why it matters.
So, what is a consent order?
A consent order is a legally binding document that confirms how you and your ex-partner will divide your finances after divorce. It covers everything from property and savings to pensions and debts. Once it’s approved by a judge, the agreement becomes enforceable by law.
In simple terms, it’s your financial ‘clean break’—making sure neither of you can come back and make future claims.
Why do you need a consent order?
Even if your split is amicable and you’ve agreed on who gets what, without a consent order, there’s nothing stopping either party from changing their mind later on. A consent order gives both of you security and clarity.
At Bates Wells & Braithwaite, our Ipswich solicitors regularly help clients make sure their financial arrangements are properly protected. We can guide you through the process and make sure everything is fair and reasonable before it’s submitted to the court.
What does a consent order include?
It depends on your circumstances, but most consent orders cover things like:
- the family home and any other property
- how savings, investments and debts are split
- pension sharing or offsetting
- any spousal maintenance
- child maintenance (though this is usually handled separately by the Child Maintenance Service)
Our experienced team of solicitors in Ipswich can help you put together a consent order that works for both parties and is likely to be approved by the court.
Do you have to go to court?
In most cases, no. If you and your ex-partner agree on the terms, the consent order is sent to the court for approval, and no one usually needs to attend in person. A judge will look over the agreement and, if it seems fair, will approve it. If the judge has concerns, they may ask for further information or suggest changes.
Can you do it yourself?
You can write your own consent order, but it’s not recommended unless you’re confident about the legal and financial implications. Most people choose to use a solicitor to make sure everything is in order. After all, this is a legally binding agreement—it’s worth getting it right.
At Bates Wells & Braithwaite, our friendly solicitors in Ipswich can draft your consent order, handle the court paperwork and make sure you understand exactly what you’re agreeing to.
How long does it take?
Once the order is drafted and agreed, it’s usually sent to the court after the conditional order stage of divorce (previously called the decree nisi). It typically takes a few weeks for the court to approve the order, but this can vary depending on how busy they are.
Talk to our solicitors in Ipswich
If you’re dealing with divorce and want to protect your financial future, speak to the team at Bates Wells & Braithwaite. Our experienced solicitors in Ipswich can guide you through the process of applying for a consent order and make sure your agreement is fair, legal and built to last.
To arrange a chat or book an appointment, just get in touch. We’re here to help.