Are the same arrangements made as for married couples?

<div class="et_pb_module et_pb_toggle et_pb_toggle_0 et_pb_toggle_item et_pb_toggle_open"> <div class="et_pb_toggle_content clearfix">Yes. From 2009 the law for de facto and <a href="https://lswlawyers.com.au/family-law/same-sex-relationships/">same sex couples</a> become the same as for married couples.</div> </div>

We don't live together, can we be de facto?

<div class="et_pb_module et_pb_toggle et_pb_toggle_1 et_pb_toggle_item et_pb_toggle_open"> <div class="et_pb_toggle_content clearfix">Yes, a regular pattern of a relationship is often enough – even, for instance if you are both married to other people.</div> </div> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_toggle et_pb_toggle_2 et_pb_toggle_item et_pb_toggle_close"></div>

I've got two years before he/she can make a claim right?

<div class="et_pb_module et_pb_toggle et_pb_toggle_2 et_pb_toggle_item et_pb_toggle_open"> <div class="et_pb_toggle_content clearfix">Maybe not, if you have a child or intermingle assets in a certain way, the two year minimum period limiting claims as a de facto might not apply to you – seek advice.</div> </div> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_toggle et_pb_toggle_3 et_pb_toggle_item et_pb_toggle_close"></div>

Can't we say we are just boyfriend/girlfriend?

<div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_2 et_section_regular"> <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_2 flip servicenav et_pb_equal_columns"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_2_3 et_pb_column_4 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_toggle et_pb_toggle_3 et_pb_toggle_item et_pb_toggle_open"> <div class="et_pb_toggle_content clearfix">Perhaps. The Judge’s list of ‘factors’ they take into account to assess whether you are de facto’s is a long list <u>and</u> is not exhaustive. Get good advice!</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_4 excludesticky et_pb_with_background et_section_regular"> <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_3 flip et_pb_equal_columns"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_2 et_pb_column_5 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"></div> </div> </div>

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De Facto Relationships

We can assist couples in a De Facto relationship in the area of Parenting Orders and Children’s Issues, Child Support, Financial Agreements, Property Settlements, Estate Planning and much more.

Award-Winning experts in Family Law matters for De Facto relationships

The legal distinction between marriages and de facto relationships has virtually disappeared with changes to the Family Law Act in 2009. Parties in de facto relationships that have broken down since 1 March 2009 will have any proceedings (including property division) dealt with under the Family Law Act in the same way as a marriage.

Where a separation in the de facto relationship has occurred prior to 1 March 2009, the relevant state legislation applies unless both parties agree to be governed by the Family Law Act.

The courts apply tests to determine if a relationship is a ‘de facto’ relationship. Any claim for property settlement must be lodged within two years of the breakdown of the relationship (there are some grounds for extensions of time).

Our family lawyers are experienced in guiding and advising clients in this area. We can also provide assistance in the area of Parenting Orders and Children’s Issues, Child Support, Financial Agreements, Property Settlements, Estate Planning and more.

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