Under the Family Law Act, a person is in a de facto relationship with another person if the persons are not legally married to each other, they are not related by family and they are a couple that are in a relationship on a ‘genuine domestic basis’.

If all three of the above points are present, the Court will take into consideration a range factors which include the duration of the relationship, nature and extent of common residence and the reputation and public aspects of the relationship.

New Commonwealth Laws were enforced on 1 March 2009 in relation to the division of property for people in de facto relationships. These laws enable de facto couples to access the Family Law Court of Australia and the Federal Magistrates Court for property division and spousal maintenance matters, as married couples can.

De facto property matters can be finalised either by Consent Orders or Binding Financial Agreement. In the event that a matter is required to be brought to court, Michelle Porcheron Lawyers can assist you to ensure that the matter is settled efficiently and effectively.

We are experienced in all areas pertaining to De facto relationships including:

• Consent Orders
• Binding Financial Agreements
• Cohabitation Agreements
• Court Applications
• Enforcement Proceedings
• Complex Property Division