Securing a Balanced Financial and Childcare Settlement Through Consent Orders

Summary
We acted for a client in the amicable resolution of both financial and childcare matters following the breakdown of a marriage. By formalising terms through consent orders for asset division and shared care, we protected our client’s parental role and financial interests without contested hearings.

Background

Our client sought advice after a long-term relationship ended. During the separation period, our client was the primary carer of a young child. Despite personal difficulties, both parties indicated a willingness to agree a structured, fair settlement covering child arrangements and finances.

Challenges

• Recording an equal shared care arrangement for a young child.
• Ensuring repayment of a significant family loan from property proceeds before division.
• Achieving a clean break to prevent future financial claims.

Our Approach

We provided clear advice on the family law framework in England and Wales and maintained a constructive, cooperative strategy to preserve momentum while ensuring legal robustness.

Our work included:

• Drafting a financial consent order reflecting the agreed settlement.
• Preparing the application for a child arrangements order documenting equal shared care.
• Embedding third-party loan repayment into the property sale provisions before division.
• Completing and filing all required Family Court forms to formalise the agreement.
• Liaising with the other party to secure prompt approval and avoid delays.

Outcome

The Family Court approved both the financial consent order and the child arrangements order. The settlement delivered equal parenting time, repayment of the family loan, an equitable split of assets, and a clean break, providing stability for the child and clarity for both parties.

Key Legal Takeaways

• Consent orders formalise agreements and they reduce the need for contested hearings.
• Clean break clauses provide certainty by closing off future financial claims.
• Addressing third-party debts within the order avoids later disputes.
  

Contact our Divorce and Family Law Solicitors in London

To speak to our to a member of our family law team, please contact us on 0203 959 9123, or contact us through our online contact form.