Tailored legal advice on matters relating to de facto relationships from a leading Sydney law team.
What Is a De Facto Relationship?
Under the Family Law Act 1975, couples that have been living together for more than two years or have children from the relationship are afforded the rights of a de facto couple. For couples that have been together for a period of less than two years, the court will consider a range of different factors to determine whether a de facto relationship exists, including:
- Shared assets (house/mortgage)
- The couple have children together
- There was a sexual relationship
- The parties have shared finances
- The social aspects of the relationship
- The relationship is registered under a prescribed law of a State or Territory
- The couple have lived together for a significant portion of their relationship on a “genuine domestic basis”
In cases where the couple have been together for a period of less than two years, the court will consider a number of different factors and make a case-by-case assessment to determine whether or not the criteria for a de facto relationship has been met.
Your Rights in A De Facto Relationship
Under Australian law, De facto couples enjoy the same rights and securities as a married couple when it comes to the division of assets and shared responsibilities. If the criteria are met and the court determines that a genuine de facto relationship exists, a Family Court can make orders with respect to:
- Property settlement
- Financial support
- Parental responsibilities
- Superannuation split
- Immigration and citizenship
Each case is unique, so it’s important to understand where you stand and your entitlements in a de facto relationship. Our de facto relationship lawyers can help you to understand your rights and responsibilities.
De Facto Relationship Lawyers Sydney
Chris was originally admitted as a solicitor in England & Wales and worked in London for an award winning and highly regarded firm established in 1881.
Tass is a specialist employment lawyer with over 30 years experience. He has been a solicitor, a barrister and an industrial advocate.
Rebecca Campbell
Rebecca is a Senior Lawyer practicing in commercial and civil litigation.
Professional and on time. Our lawyer is a person of high integrity and is genuinely committed to helping us achieve our goals. If Chris Chang leaves the firm, we will follow him. All aspects of their work were performed at an exemplary standard — skill, timeliness and client service. Good practical advice speedily given and implemented. Responsiveness, quality, professionalism and value. Highly recommend working with Chris — responsive, professional and outcome-focused, and very well-priced given the exceptional quality of work. Chris Chang always responded very promptly. Heathfield Grosvenor have no areas in which they could improve — our experience was nothing but positive. Professional and diligent in their research, prompt and timely in their responses. I achieved a favourable outcome. Highly professional, diligent, and trustworthy services. Chris went above and beyond — and truly cares about his clients. Chris provided excellent advice and great service. I would highly recommend. They made the process seamless for us. Very professional and very knowledgeable in their field. Chris Chang goes above and beyond to get the desired results. Their pricing is fair and you don't feel like you're constantly on the clock. Very professional service and top quality advice — quality, professionalism and value. Excellent and timely advice, professional handling of all issues. All was good, easy communication (we are from Italy), efficient support, fast procedures. Understood exactly the issue and resolved it right away. Made sure I did not include unnecessary expense in pursuing my litigation for a broken contract.Testimonials
