An Application for Consent Orders can seek to formally resolve all property and financial issues between the parties; confirm future parenting arrangements; or both. Property Orders in most cases will deal with the transfer or sale of real estate – often the former matrimonial home – and the distribution of any net proceeds of sale; the splitting of one party’s superannuation entitlements into the other’s fund to “balance things up”; cash payments between the separating parties; and any spousal maintenance amount that might be agreed or “incorporated” into any lump sum payments made.
Parenting Orders, on the other hand, will clarify the extent to which each party has responsibility for making major decisions regarding the children’s futures (i.e., their health, education, or cultural/religious upbringing); how long the children will spend living with each parent; the frequency and duration of phone calls/Facetime etc; and how important events like birthdays, Christmas and school holidays will be “divided up”.