De Facto Relationship Legal Advice in Fremantle
In Australia, de facto couples have many of the same legal rights and obligations as married couples. If you are in a de facto relationship and are separating, it is important to understand your legal rights in relation to property, children and spousal maintenance.
A de facto relationship is one where two people live together on a genuine domestic basis. The Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) was amended in 2009 to extend its provisions to de facto couples, including same-sex couples.
Your Rights as a De Facto Partner
To be eligible to make a property or maintenance claim, you must demonstrate that the de facto relationship existed for at least 2 years, there is a child of the relationship, or that significant contributions were made and failure to recognise them would result in serious injustice.
If eligible, de facto couples may seek:
- Property settlement
- Spousal maintenance
- Parenting orders
- Child support
Time Limits Apply
Applications for property settlement must be made within 2 years of the breakdown of the de facto relationship. It is essential to seek legal advice as soon as possible after separation.
Contact us today for confidential advice about your de facto relationship rights.