There are a few issues here:

1. Consent orders are one option / alternative to formal court proceedings and it is true the court likes the parties to try and come to agreement on family matters, however if it is clear no agreement will be reached you are entitled to make an initiating application to the Family / Federal Circuit court.

2. The Case Management process of the above application gives the parties as much chance as possible to try and agree on orders and if they are so made the court will order them on an interim or final basis.

3. If you intend on applying for children orders you must seek mandatory pre-action mediation in order to receive a Certificate called a S.60I certificate. Family matters involving children will not be heard in courts without this certificate. Family Relationships Australia should be able to assist you with this.

4. If you decide you don't need children's orders, but DO need property orders, I need to point out you can only lodge an application for property orders within 12-months of getting divorced.

In other words you only have until Mid-2016 to lodge an application for Property orders, If however, you are seeking children and property orders this 12-month limitation does not apply.