De Facto Relationships

Get in touch: 1800 770 780

How can we help?

If you meet certain criteria, such as having a genuine commitment to one another  and living under the same roof, you may be in a de facto relationship. But what does “de facto” mean and what are your de facto relationship rights if you separate? Keep reading to learn more or speak to one of the family lawyers from Owen Hodge if you have any questions.

 

A de facto relationship is where two people (of either the same or opposite sex) are not legally married or related to one another, but live together as a couple on a genuine domestic basis.

How long before a de facto relationship is legal?

Usually, the rights afforded to de facto couples under the Family Law Act 1975 apply when the couple has been living together for 2+ years or there are children of the relationship. However, exceptions may be made if there are significant contributions to joint property.

In order for a de facto relationship to come under the jurisdiction of the Family Law Act, it must meet one or more of the following criteria;

  1. You have lived with your partner for at least 2 years; or
  2. There is a child of the de facto relationship; or
  3. A party to the de facto relationship has made significant contributions to the property or finances of their partner; or
  4. The de facto relationship is or was registered under a prescribed State or Territory law.
  5. You must have also lived at least ⅓  of your relationship in NSW or any other State or Territory except WA.

If there is any dispute between the parties about whether a de facto relationship exists, the court will also look at the following factors:

  1. The length of the relationship;
  2. Whether you have shared finances;
  3. Whether a sexual relationship exists;
  4. Whether there is an emotional attachment;
  5. Your living arrangements;
  6. How you present your relationship in public.

How do you prove a de facto relationship?

To prove a de facto relationship exists, you will need to provide evidence for the above. This could include things like:

  • Details about your relationship, such as:
    • How, when and where you met
    • When you moved in together
    • What you do together
    • Your plans for the future
  • Financial documents, such as:
    • Joint bank account statements
    • Household bills in both names
    • Joint mortgage or lease documents
  • Proof of how your share domestic matters, such as:
    • Mail or email addressed to both of you
    • Documents that prove your living arrangements
    • Statement of how you share housework
  • Social proof, such as:
    • Joint invitations
    • Proof you travel together
    • Proof you do joint cultural, sporting or social activities together

As a de facto couple, you may be entitled to the following:

  • If the other person in the relationship dies without a Will, you may be entitled to a share of their estate; or if they have not provided for you in their Will, you may be entitled to make a claim for financial support.
  • You may be entitled to claim for workers compensation if they die on the job, as well as receive financial support.
  • If you separate:
    • You are entitled to support from your former partner if you care for a joint child.
    • You may be able to claim for spousal maintenance.
    • Your property/assets will be divided according to the Family Law Act (if required).

Similar to a marriage separation, your property (including liabilities and assets) may need to be divided. Before taking the matter to court, the court does encourage ex-spouses to make a genuine attempt to come to an agreement. You can then have a property settlement lawyer draw up a legally binding agreement, which could be in the form of a financial agreement or consent order that gets sealed by the court.

If you can’t reach an agreement, then the matter will need to be decided in family court. In such situations, we highly recommend engaging a lawyer to help guide you through this process.

Learn more:

  • De facto property settlement
  • Dividing assets in divorce
  • Splitting superannuation after separation

De facto time limits

If you are or have been in a de facto relationship, and you require the assistance of the court to resolve your financial or spousal maintenance matters with your partner, then you must remember that there is a time limit for making your application to the court.

Your application must be made within 2 years of the end of your relationship. If you want to make an application to the court outside of this timeframe, you must seek the permission of the court to do so and there is no guarantee that permission will be granted.

Speak to Owen Hodge

If you’re experiencing a de facto relationship break up in NSW, our de facto and divorce lawyers are here to answer any questions you may have. Please contact us on 1800 770 780 to have a chat or make an appointment.

We’re here to help

Whether you and your partner are separating or you just want to understand your legal rights, you can turn to Owen Hodge. Get in touch today.

GET IN TOUCH NOW

Family Law Team

Kristy-Lee Burns

Partner, Family and Commercial Lawyer

Pamela Pau

Senior Immigration Lawyer

Kristy Hatcher

Wills & Estate Litigation Lawyer

Here’s what our clients are saying

Dear Kristy-Lee

My divorce has gone through without a hitch. Thank you for all your help and advice through this process.

Mr. F

I won my case at the Guardianship Tribunal

“I won my case at the Guardianship Tribunal yesterday.. After discussions with my mother, we agreed that it would be in my aunt’s best interest to have the Public Guardian take over as I just cannot manage her doctor’s appointments, support care arrangements, dental, optical appointments etc from so far away… I did however retain my Enduring Power of Attorney position, and it was upgraded to being my aunt’s Private Manager…

Lisa Terrill

Helpful and Supportive

During my divorce proceedings I was in a position I had never experienced previously and was not sure what direction to take.

Kristy Lee advised me in a way that was easy to understand but also firm & direct which to my surprise led to a favorable outcome and put an end to any future hardship I could have gone through.

Mr F

Many Thanks

Many thanks to Christine Vrahas, Alice Holman, and James Kelly for all the time and support that was given leading up to the settlement of my Aunts estate.

D. Rae

Thank you Kristy-Lee Burns

I would highly recommend Kristy-Lee to my family and friends for family law matters that they have……

Grant

Thank you for making a difficult time easier for us

On behalf of the family I would like to thank you for the professionalism that you have shown in your handling of our mother’s estate. We appreciate it very much. It was a hard and sad time, but your kindness made it so much easier for us.

Ms M

Thank you Owen Hodge Lawyers Hurstville

I would like to send a big thank you to the team at Owen Hodge Lawyer Hurstville for their collective effort to resolve my late Wife’s estate dispute and all before Christmas.

P.A.

Thank you, Kristy-Lee

I was always informed and reassured that the outcome of my case would be best for myself but most importantly moving forward with my children and my life.

Kristy-Lee has extensive experience and knowledge in regards to family law and her beautiful nature and considerate approach is what I will be forever thankful for.

Ms F

Thank Debbie and James

Just a quick note to thank Debbie and James for the great work you did for Dad in the sale of his Greglea unit. You made the sale for me very easy to deal with and I appreciate the effort you put into it.

Margaret Crawford

Thank you Family Law Team

Thank you for your time, effort and honesty in assisting me with my case this year.

Mr. G

Frequently asked questions

A de facto relationship is where two people (of either the same or opposite sex) are not legally married or related to one another, but live together as a couple on a genuine domestic basis.

Usually, the rights afforded to de facto couples under the Family Law Act 1975 apply when the couple has been living together for 2+ years or there are children of the relationship. However, exceptions may be made if there are significant contributions to joint property.