De Facto Relationships

Family Law

A de facto relationship is a domestic relationship between two people of the same or opposite gender who have not been legally married.

There are various factors that determine whether someone is a de facto couple or in a de facto relationship, but generally you will be in a de facto relationship if you have been with your partner as if you were married for at least 2 years and living together on a genuine domestic basis.

If you are unsure whether you are in a de facto relationship, you may wish to seek legal advice to ensure that you are aware of your rights and de facto relationship entitlements during the relationship or in the event of separation.

In the court of Western Australia, de facto relationships are automatically recognised by law and you do not need to register your relationship in order for it to be recognised.

If you separate from your de facto partner there is nothing that you need to do to legally separate, unless you have registered your relationship in another state.

If there are any assets or liabilities of the de facto relationship such as properties, personal belongings, savings, or superannuation then you should consider a financial/property settlement or financial agreement. Please see our financial/property settlement page for further information.

As one of the leading family lawyers and de facto relationship lawyers in Perth and Melbourne, Acuity Law Partners has a deep understanding of the complexities of de facto relationships and the laws surrounding them. Our team of experienced lawyers have helped many individuals and couples navigate the legal process and achieve the best possible outcome in their de facto relationship.

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If you require legal advice or representation in Western Australia, don't hesitate to fill out the form below. Our experienced Perth lawyers, specialising in areas such as family law, immigration, corporate law, and dispute resolution, are ready to assist you. We will be in touch with you shortly to discuss how we can meet your legal needs in Perth!


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