Before we explore what de facto rights NSW are, let’s first understand the meaning of “de facto relationship.”
A de facto relationship exists where two people who are not married to one another, and who are not related to one other live together in the same house, as a couple. It is a close personal relationship between two individuals.
In other words, there are two characteristic features of a de facto relationship, i.e., firstly, it is a domestic relationship, and secondly, there is no marriage between the parties.
According to the law, living together on a genuine domestic basis is what is classified as a de facto relationship.
What Is Genuine Domestic Basis?
To understand de facto rights NSW, it is also essential to first understand if those rights apply to you. As mentioned above, according to the law, the defining feature of a de facto relationship is that the couple must be living together on a genuine domestic basis.
Certain factors include: –
- The duration of time in which the couple has lived together;
- The nature of the household;
- Whether the couple shared finances, or if there was one financially independent partner on whom the other was dependent on;
- Whether the couple has committed to a life together;
- Whether the couple share children, and caring arrangements;
- How other people viewed or perceived the couple – whether others saw them as a couple, or simply as housemates;
- Whether the parties involved were intimate with each other;
- The acquisition and ownership of property and assets; and
- Whether the relationship was registered in a state or territory.
In NSW you can register your relationship online on the NSW Government’s Relationships Register. When you complete the registration of your relationship, it entails legal recognition. With this legal recognition, you can invoke your de facto rights NSW.
Reasons to Register Your Relationship
Apart from making your relationship legally recognisable, there are various reasons to register a de facto relationship. These include: –
- If the relationship does not meet the time requirement for legal de facto rights NSW
- You wish to make plans for Wills, superannuation funds, or any other plans for a de facto partner
When can you register your de facto relationship in NSW?
You can apply to register the relationship, if: –
- Both parties are over 18 years of age;
- At least one of the parties resides in NSW;
- Neither one of the parties is in a registered relationship;
- Neither one of the parties is married or related; and
- Neither one of the parties is in a relationship with another person
Read: Family Law Act: De Facto Relationship
De Facto Rights NSW: Property Settlement
Have you split up with your former partner? De facto rights NSW are the same as married couples’ rights when it concerns property settlement.
Thus, de facto couples can apply in court, and seek entitlements following separation – much like divorced couples. To do so, however, there are certain criteria that the de facto couple in question need to fulfill.
When making an application to the court, the de facto couple needs to satisfy at least one of these points: –
- They were in a de facto relationship for at least two years.
- There is a child of the de facto relationship.
- The de facto relationship was registered in a state or territory.
- When property and assets are assessed, it is found that one party has made significant contributions and that if an order is not issued, it would be a serious injustice to that party.
Furthermore, once the de facto couple establishes the above criteria, they must then satisfy the court that:
- There was a genuine de facto relationship between them which has now broken down; and
- There is a geographical connection to the jurisdiction, i.e., in this case, NSW.
Upon breakdown of the relationship, one may have de facto relationship entitlements, also known as de facto breakup entitlements to their partner’s property, or any property of the relationship. Property can include various things like: –
- Real estate
- Bank accounts
- Business assets
- Shares and other forms of investment
- Personal property – like cars
- Debts
- Superannuation
De Facto Rights NSW: Child Support or Spousal Support
Upon breakdown of a de facto relationship, similar to divorce cases, the parties can make claims for spousal maintenance and/or child support. Depending on the financial circumstances, and requirements, the court will deal with each de facto relationship on a case-by-case basis.
Parenting Orders
Under de facto rights NSW, parenting orders will be relevant for de facto couples with children. Upon separation, both parties have the responsibility to be involved in matters concerning parenting arrangements.
Similar to all family law cases, the court will consider the best interests of the child while considering any parenting arrangement requests. However, if both parties are able to formulate a plan, they don’t need to approach the court.
In case of disagreements, they will need to try dispute resolution approaches before taking the matter to court. If not, the court will make parenting orders – based on what’s best for the child – which will be legally binding.
Read: Parenting Orders Family Law Act
Binding Financial Agreement
As part of de facto rights NSW, a couple can make a binding financial agreement or BFA.
Similar to a prenuptial agreement, upon the breakdown of a de facto relationship, a BFA will specify the division of assets and liabilities; and provision of spousal support and superannuation.
One can make legally binding financial arrangements before, during, or after a de facto relationship. Specifically, these contracts specify the distribution of assets, money, and liabilities of each party in the event that the relationship fails.
Financial agreements that are legally binding include details about:
- debts and assets;
- jointly and individually held possessions and assets;
- support for the spouse;
- anticipated gifts and inheritances;
- insurance coverage; and
- allocation of assets.
Read: De Facto Financial Agreements
How Can JB Solicitors Help?
The expert family lawyers at JB Solicitors will help you understand de facto rights NSW. If you have any concerns regarding property settlement and asset division, it is best to seek legal guidance. There are many factors that the court may consider, so it is important to reach out to family lawyers for expert advice.
Our friendly family lawyers have a wealth of experience in dealing with legal matters following the breakdown of a de facto relationship. We can inform you about various aspects of the Family Law Act.
Whether you wish to know more about your de facto rights in NSW, or draw up BFAs, or seek legal guidance for resolving parenting-related disputes, our lawyers are here to help.
Our fixed-fee pricing for family law gives you a clear sense of the costs from the start. We value our clients, and are dedicated to satisfying clients’ needs, and strive to reach desired results.
Get in touch with our compassionate family lawyers today.
