Supporting a Client Through a Complicated Consent Order Process

Navigating the financial side of a divorce can feel overwhelming, especially when court processes, online portals and legal documents become more complicated than expected. Many clients come to us believing their agreement is straightforward, only to find that delays, misunderstandings or lack of cooperation from the other party turn a simple consent order into a stressful experience.

This case study highlights how our Family Solicitor – Gordon Johnson – supported our client through exactly that situation. Although the financial agreement itself was clear and amicable, procedural issues and unexpected complications caused significant delays. Through consistent communication, close supervision and cross‑department teamwork, we helped our client secure a Clean Break Financial Consent Order and complete a linked property matter with confidence and clarity.

Intro – What the Case Was About

In early 2025, Bridger’s Law was instructed to prepare a Financial Consent Order to formalise the financial arrangements of a couple going through divorce. The agreement ensured that no further claims could be made in the future regarding income, capital, inheritance or pensions once the Order was approved. It also set out that the former matrimonial home would be transferred into his wife’s sole name, while our client would receive an agreed lump sum payment.

We prepared the required D81 Statement of Information, which provides the court with a clear summary of each party’s financial circumstances. Although the agreement itself was simple, the process became complicated due to communication issues, delays and misunderstandings.

How Bridger’s Law Became Involved & What We Did

Bridger’s Law became involved shortly after the parties reached their financial agreement. We drafted the Financial Consent Order and the accompanying D81 in line with the agreed clean break terms, ensuring neither party could bring future financial claims. We guided the client through each stage, monitored the submissions, and made sure that all documents reflected the agreement accurately. At that stage, his ex-partner was legally represented and her solicitors were responsible for uploading the draft Consent Order and D81 to the HMCTS portal. However, delays and confusion soon arose around what should have been a straightforward process. We were then informed that the client’s ex‑partner had become self‑represented and had taken it upon herself to submit the documents directly.

Given this unexpected change and the growing uncertainty, our client looked to us for reassurance and protection.

As the matter was closely linked to a conveyancing transaction, we also coordinated with our Conveyancing Department so that the property transfer could progress smoothly once the Consent Order was approved. Throughout the process, we maintained clear communication, offered steady guidance, and provided the ongoing support needed to help our client navigate what became a far more complex and lengthier journey than initially anticipated.

Challenges

One significant challenge was the delay in submitting the required documents to the HMCTS portal. Despite the clarity of the agreement, misunderstandings on the other side caused unnecessary back‑and‑forth before the matter could progress.

Midway through the case, his ex-partner became self‑represented, which added further complexity. She did not fully understand the HMCTS portals and the court process. This resulted in repeated correspondence, further explanations, and increased guidance from our team to ensure the documents were correct and consistent with the agreed terms.

How the Challenges Were Overcome

To overcome these difficulties, we monitored the progress of the matter closely and followed up promptly whenever delays occurred. We reviewed every uploaded document to ensure that none of the terms had been changed. We provided clear guidance to both the client and, where necessary, the unrepresented party to help avoid further confusion.

Our Family Team also worked closely with our Conveyancing Team to maintain momentum between the two linked matters. Thanks to persistent communication, careful management and thorough oversight, the court approved the Consent Order in early 2026.

Client Concerns & How Bridger’s Law Alleviated Them

One of the client’s biggest concerns was the possibility that the documents uploaded to the portal had been altered without his knowledge. We reassured him by reviewing the documents carefully and confirming that the terms remained exactly as agreed.

He was also understandably frustrated by the delays. We managed all communication and follow‑up on his behalf, ensuring he did not have to deal with the stress of chasing responses or navigating the issues himself.

When his ex‑partner became self‑represented, he felt uncertain about how this might affect the process. We provided clear explanations about the likely impact and kept him fully informed at each stage, so he always understood what to expect.

As the matter was tied to a property transfer, he was also concerned about the potential knock‑on effects of the delays. Through close coordination with our Conveyancing Department, we ensured that the transition to the property stage was as seamless as possible once the order was approved.

Outcome

Despite the challenges, the Consent Order was approved in early 2026. The client expressed sincere appreciation for the professionalism, organisation and support he received throughout the process, and he has since confirmed that he intends to continue working with Bridger’s Law on future legal matters.

“I received a professional, well organised, clear and concise service during a very problematic divorce. I’ll be continuing to engage with Bridger’s on other legal matters in the future.”

— Client feedback

If you would like support with a Consent Order or any other family law matter, our Divorce & Family team would be happy to help.