Solicitor costs can vary. Pays to shop around. If you are both in agreement about how you want your assets divided then there are much cheaper options as you have pointed out. The kit available on this site for $725 I believe includes a review & drafting of your orders... If you were to just fill in the forms yourselves, I recommend having a solicitor look them over before lodging.

The reason you are unlikely to be successful in having the clause you mention signed off on is because as far as is practicable, the family law act requires that orders will finally determine the financial relationships between the parties & avoid the risk of further proceedings..

Thanks Jazz. Ex wants to go 1/2's in the lawyer fees for doing the Consent Orders ($2K each). I guess I should just do it and move on. I know there are cheaper online options but she wants "the comfort" of knowing it's all properly done. I know better!! All up I am ok with what will be the end result as he kids and my ex will be well looked after, and there can be no complaints (hopefully) as to how fair and generous I've been.

divorced dad,

I have a few concerns....
Firstly, yep there can be complains as to how generous you have been, they wont be reasonable or justifiable but there will be complaints...
Why are kids matters not being included??? I think it madness to proceed if the orders are only to do with property BUT give you no certainty regarding kids...
cheers
eamon

Hi Eamon
I should rather clarify that it's a binding financial agreement we are having drawn up re asset division, rather than formalizing child matters.

Matters relating to the children are quite good (given there are moments of disagreement but I'm confident we are on the same page etc) and we have flexibility in access arrangements and decisions etc that work well both ways.

Is there any specific reasoning that I should be aware of there?
Thanks

Without specifics of what is in the orders it is hard to know what you need to be aware of.

I guess it depends on levels of trust. So for example if there is nothing in the consent orders about when the kids will spend time with each of you then there is nothing stopping her changing arrangements in the future. The reasons she might do this could include to get more child support by reducing your time with the kids or if she chose to relocate. My consent orders stipulate no relocation beyond 50km. I live in the country so 50km is in the same school catchment area.. BUT also the orders stipulate arrangements for Christmas, birthdays and school holidays.

I guess the reason you should be concerned is that while things are reasonably good at the minute and it is good that you guys seem to be able to make arrangements for the kids that work for everyone BUT what if you guys have a falling out and things get nasty?
The flexibility can stay BUT the orders can give you certainty in the event of a dispute.

cheers
eamonemca012014-01-27 07:42:53