What happens to property when a de facto or close personal relationship breaks down?

There is a time limit to make a claim for property settlement of two years, from the date of your separation. That is, you must make an application to the court asking for orders to divide property within two years of the relationship breaking down. Otherwise, you need permission from the court to bring a claim if more than two years have passed since you separated.

You usually need to prove that you lived together for more than two years. In some circumstances, you may also be entitled to bring a claim if you have lived together for less than two years, especially if:

• You have a child from that relationship
• In the case of a close personal relationship, you care for the other person’s child and would suffer an injustice if the court does not make an order
• You have made substantial financial or personal contributions for which you will not be adequately compensated unless the court makes an order

When a court divides property it takes into account both people’s financial and non-financial contributions to the relationship. For example, it will look at the division of household labour and the contribution you’ve both made as a parent. It will also take into account the amount of money both you and your former partner earned and will consider any differences in your future earning capacity and your obligations to care for the children.

Can you claim spousal maintenance?

You can sometimes claim spousal maintenance if you can not support yourself after the relationship breaks down and your former partner has the means to contribute to your finances. Your entitlement to maintenance will end if you marry or enter into another de facto relationship.

Are you entitled to child support?

Regardless of whether or not you are married, you are entitled to support from your former partner if you care for a joint child. If there is a dispute about who the child’s parents are, a court may order a DNA test.

You may also be able to claim child support from your former partner if you were in a same sex relationship.

Who will the children live with?

If you and a former partner have children together, you should always try to share parental responsibilities. You can do this through a parenting plan or by asking a court to make orders you have both agreed to (called consent orders).

If you can not work something out between yourselves, you can apply to the court, which will always base a decision about who your children should live with on the children’s best interests. The court can make orders about how much time a child should spend with each parent and sometimes even the extended family. It can also make orders about how you should both bring up the child. For instance, which school they should go to or which religion you should bring them up in.

Before a court makes any orders, it will usually ask you and your former partner, as well as anyone else with a legitimate interest in the child’s welfare, to participate in dispute resolution. This will not be the case where there is evidence of any family violence or child abuse.

What is a binding financial agreement?

A binding financial agreement is a legal contract setting out how you and your former partner have agreed to arrange your financial affairs, as well as things like maintenance and any rights to property.

You should always see your solicitor before making a binding financial agreement. After all, they are only legally enforceable if you have both had independent legal advice.

What social security rights do de facto couples have?

De facto couples have the same social security rights as married couples. That means if you separate from your de facto partner and you have a dependent child, you could qualify for assistance. You may also qualify for a benefit if you have dependent children and your partner dies.

What if you’re the victim of domestic violence?

If you feel under threat of violence, or you think a child is under threat of violence, contact the police immediately.

The court can grant an apprehended violence order if you are experiencing ongoing violence or your former partner is harassing you. An apprehended violence order can prevent someone from contacting you or your child, or from entering your home or workplace.