Short answer

Sometimes. In Connecticut, parties may ask a judge to enter a consent order that implements the parties’ agreement about how sale proceeds will be distributed. Whether the court will accept a consent order without a hearing depends on the kind of case (family law, probate, foreclosure, attachment or execution sale, partition, etc.), statutory or procedural rules that apply, and whether the judge needs to protect third‑party rights. A judge can refuse to enter a consent order or require a hearing if legal rights of others, statutory procedures, or public policy require additional review.

Detailed answer — what a consent order can and cannot do in Connecticut

This answer assumes no special facts. Below are common situations where you might try to use a consent order to avoid a hearing and the usual court approach under Connecticut procedure.

1. Civil cases and general lawsuits

Parties in ordinary civil litigation often settle the case by agreement. They can ask the court to enter a consent judgment or consent order that memorializes the settlement and directs distribution of funds. Judges commonly enter consent judgments that dispose of the case without a contested hearing. But the judge will review the agreement and may require a brief hearing or additional documentation if the judge has concerns about fairness, fraud, or whether the settlement resolves all claims or liens against the funds.

2. Family law / dissolution of marriage (sale of marital property)

In divorce and family matters, parties frequently negotiate the sale of a home or other assets and agree how to split proceeds. Connecticut courts will accept and incorporate a written agreement into a consent order or judgment if the agreement is clear and the court determines it is equitable and complies with Connecticut family law. However, the court must still ensure statutory obligations and protections (for example, orders for support, equitable distribution principles, and any required notices) are satisfied. The court may schedule a brief hearing where required by local practice or where the judge wants to confirm the parties’ understanding.

3. Probate estates and fiduciary sales

When property subject to probate is sold or estate funds must be distributed, probate courts follow statutory and procedural safeguards. An executor/administrator must usually file inventories, accountings, and petitions for distribution. In many cases, heirs can consent to distributions and the probate court can enter an order based on that consent without an adversarial hearing. But the probate court has a duty to ensure proper notice to creditors and to follow statutory procedures before approving final distribution. If notice has not been given or creditors object, the court likely will hold a hearing.

4. Foreclosure, sheriff’s sales, execution/levy sales, and lien priorities

Sales after execution, judicial sale, or foreclosure involve specific statutory timelines, redemption periods, and lien priorities. Even if the buyer and some lienholders agree on splitting sale proceeds, a judge, sheriff, or clerk must verify priorities and whether other lienholders or statutory claimants (taxes, child support, municipal liens) have rights to proceeds. In many of these contexts the court or sheriff must follow statutory distribution rules and may require a confirmation process or motion to distribute proceeds. A consent order may be used to document an agreed distribution, but it cannot override statutory rights or proper notice to other claimants.

5. Partition actions or sales ordered by the court

When co‑owners partition and sell property, they may submit a consent order for distribution of sale proceeds. Courts generally accept agreed plans if the order clarifies how proceeds will be divided, resolves claims, and protects creditors. If the proposed distribution affects non‑parties or raises questions about liens or expenses, the court may require proof or a hearing.

6. When a court will require a hearing despite a consent order

• If the consent would impair the rights of non‑parties (creditors, lienholders, minors, protected parties).
• If statute or rule requires a formal petition, accounting, or confirmation (common in probate and foreclosure procedures).
• If the judge has reason to suspect fraud, mistake, duress, or unconscionability.
• If the proposed distribution conflicts with earlier court orders or statutory priorities (taxes, child support, municipal liens, mechanics’ liens).

Practical effect

A properly drafted consent order can avoid a lengthy contested hearing and let parties implement their agreement quickly. But parties should not assume a consent order is a guaranteed shortcut. The relevant court will still protect statutory processes and third‑party rights.

How to use a consent order to distribute sale money in Connecticut — practical steps

1. Confirm the legal posture: identify what court and what statutory procedure applies (civil case, family/dissolution, probate, foreclosure, execution sale, partition).
2. Check for third‑party interests: discover liens, mortgages, tax liens, child support, judgments, and creditor claims. Those parties may need notice or to join the consent.
3. Draft a clear written agreement and proposed consent order: spell out the exact amounts, who receives the funds, how costs and taxes are handled, and timing for distribution.
4. Attach supporting documents: settlement agreement, payoff figures, lien releases, receipts, settlement statements, and any required affidavits.
5. File the consent order and supporting paperwork with the clerk or probate court. Some judges accept the paperwork and enter an order without a hearing; others will schedule a short hearing or require additional steps.
6. If the court requires a hearing or supplemental information, comply promptly. If other claimants object, be prepared to resolve disputed claims or litigate priorities.

When to get a lawyer in Connecticut

If sale proceeds are large, if liens or multiple creditors exist, if probate or statutory notice rules apply, or if any party is unsure of their rights, consult a Connecticut attorney. A lawyer can draft a consent order that the court will be more likely to accept, confirm that notice requirements are met, and protect you from unintended liability.

Helpful Hints

• Do not assume an unjoined creditor’s claim disappears because parties agreed — verify lien releases.
• Use explicit language about payees, amounts, timing, and who pays closing costs, taxes, and attorney fees.
• File supporting documentation (payoff statements, accounting, receipts) with the proposed consent order to reduce the chance of a hearing.
• In probate matters, check whether notices to creditors and filings (inventory, accountings) are required before distribution.
• When child support, tax liens, municipal liens, or unpaid judgments exist, get counsel — these claims often take priority by statute.
• Ask the clerk or judge’s chambers about local practice for consent orders in that division — some courts have predictable rules about when hearings are required.
• Keep a written record of every payee’s endorsement, release, or receipt when distributing funds.