What defines a consent order in family law?

A consent order in family law is a legally binding resolution that typically addresses aspects such as custody, support, or property division, agreed upon by both parties. This agreement is then submitted to the court, which formalizes it by issuing a consent order. The primary significance of a consent order is that it holds the same weight as a court-ordered directive; both parties must comply with its terms, and it can be enforced through the court if needed.

Mutual agreements, while they may reflect the desires of both parties, do not carry the same legal authority unless they are formalized in a consent order. Simply reaching an agreement does not ensure its enforceability unless it has been transformed into a binding legal document by the court. Temporary or final decrees made by a judge may also embody similar topics, but they are not necessarily the result of mutual consent and typically involve direct judicial decision-making. Informal arrangements, while potentially practical for the parties involved, lack any formal legal standing that a consent order provides, leaving both parties vulnerable should disputes arise.