De Facto Separation

• was I in a de facto relationship?
• have we separated?
• what will the future living arrangements be for our children?
• will I get to see our children in the future?
• what happens if there is family violence?
• do I move out of the former relationship home?
• how will I pay for my future living expenses?
• how will our assets be divided?
• what happens with our superannuation entitlements?
• how will the future living costs for our children be met?
• what do we do if we have complicated business structures that include companies and trusts?
• what happens if we reach an agreement about how to divide our assets or the future care of our children?
• do we need to go to court?

In addition to the above questions, there are complicated requirements that need to be satisfied before court orders can be made as to how the assets are to be divided or whether spousal maintenance should be paid. If you have any questions about what to do after a de facto separation then it is best for you to obtain legal advice. We have a team of expert family lawyers who will help and guide you through the legal process.

De facto separation is the breakdown of a relationship. As there is no mechanism by which separation may be registered, it will be necessary to swear under oath when separation took place and if this is disputed, to rely on contemporaneous evidence such as emails and text messages to show when separation occurred. Separation is a factual event that stems from the intention of either or both parties to the de facto relationship and the actions taken pursuant to the intention.

Separation under one roof

The law recognises that separation can occur while parties are still living under one roof. Therefore, you are not required to move out of the home you have shared in order to establish that you have separated. However, if you are going to continue to live separately under the same roof, it is important that you communicate your intention to separate to your de facto partner and keep appropriate records to document this.

If there is no written evidence and the parties continue to live under the same roof, then the following factors will be taken into account to show whether separation has occurred or not:

• whether the parties share the same bedroom;
• whether a sexual relationship exists;
• how the finances were organised during the de facto relationship and how they are after the alleged separation;
• how were the household chores organised during the de facto relationship and how they were after the alleged separation;
• whether or not there was continued use of the belongings of the other following the alleged separation;
• whether or not the parties present themselves as a couple to family and friends after the alleged separation;
• whether or not the parties go for holidays together.

Legal rights in a de facto relationship

The date of separation in a de facto relationship is important for the purposes of initiating court proceedings for the enforcement of any rights for property adjustment arising from the de facto relationship. The time limit for initiating court proceedings is two years from the date of separation. If you do not institute court proceedings within two years of separating, you may be at risk of losing your right to a property adjustment. If you are time-barred, you will have to seek the court’s permission to initiate proceedings. The court may not grant permission.

It is therefore, important to get timely advice about your rights and the time limits that apply in your case. Our family law solicitors at Armstrong Legal can guide you as to your options and help you resolve your situation.