Not married.
Still covered.
De facto couples, including same-sex couples, generally have the same family law rights to property, parenting and maintenance as married couples. Property and maintenance claims carry a two-year time limit.
Client reviews
Family law clients,
in their own words.
The best family lawyers I have ever known. Great service, pragmatic, non-judgmental approach. Prompt communication with an amazing team who have a detailed approach and understanding.
N. S.Family law client · Google review, 2024 They truly work on the root cause of the problem and understand your case so precisely that no further worry is required. They take the entire burden off my shoulders… professional, direct and highly efficient.
A. N.Parenting matter · Google review, 2025 They set the right expectation and provided sound legal advice. I engaged them for my separation, which involved property and children and was a very emotional one for me. I will highly recommend them, especially for someone new to legal proceedings.
A. K.Separation, property and parenting · Google review, 2024 Pallavee was empathetic, supportive and professional throughout the process. I could tell the firm had my best interest in mind.
K. K.Family law client · Google review, 2021
Family law clients are identified by initials only.
Is this you?
When people come to us about de facto relationships.
Each of these is a good reason to call, and none of them is too early.
- You lived together for years and the house is in your partner’s name.
- You are not sure whether your relationship counts as de facto.
- You separated more than a year ago and have not done anything yet.
- You want to protect your assets before moving in together.
How we help
For de facto couples, the clock starts on the day of separation.
A de facto relationship generally qualifies under the Family Law Act if it lasted at least two years, there is a child, the relationship was registered, or one partner made substantial contributions and it would be seriously unjust not to recognise them. Once it qualifies, property is divided on the same principles as for married couples.
Claims must usually be made within two years of separation. We work out whether your relationship qualifies, what a fair division looks like, and how to reach it.
What we do
- Advice on whether a relationship is de facto
- Property settlements for de facto couples
- Parenting arrangements
- Maintenance claims
- Same-sex relationships
- Financial agreements before or during the relationship
If you are in danger, call 000. For confidential family violence support, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or Safe Steps on 1800 015 188. Use the Quick exit button to leave this site immediately.
What happens first
Your first week with us.
A matter should feel different from the first call. This is what you can expect before anything is signed or sent.
The first meeting: where you stand
A fixed-fee meeting with a family lawyer. What a fair outcome looks like, what the other side is likely to do, and what not to do in the meantime.
In writing: a plan and an estimate for the first stage
The steps, the order they happen in, and the cost of each, so you decide with the numbers in front of you.
The first steps: your position protected
Time limits diarised, urgent matters dealt with first, and the first letter sent only once there is a strategy behind it.
From then on: one lawyer, who answers
The lawyer who meets you runs your matter. Calls and emails are returned within one business day, including when the news is not good.
Your team
Who you will deal with.
Matters are run by the people below, not handed down.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
If your question is not here, it is a good reason for the free call.
How long do I have to make a property claim?
Usually two years from the date of separation. After that you need the court’s permission, which is not guaranteed.
We lived together for less than two years. Do I have a claim?
Possibly, if you have a child together, the relationship was registered, or you made substantial contributions that it would be seriously unjust to ignore. We assess it with you.
What does it cost?
The first meeting with a solicitor is a fixed fee, quoted when you book. After that you receive a written plan and estimate for each stage, and you are told before any estimate is exceeded.
More in separation and divorce
View all family law- Separation adviceAdvice in the first weeks after separating, so you protect your position and avoid the common mistakes.Read more
- DivorceDivorce applications prepared and filed by our family lawyers, and started online in about ten minutes.Read more
- Family violence and intervention ordersIntervention orders for people who need protection, and advice for people responding to an application.Read more
Tell us what is going on. We will tell you where you stand.
A free 15-minute call. If it is a matter for us, you are booked in with the right solicitor before the call ends. If it is not, we will say so.