Know your rights under Family Law as a de facto couple

Did you know that de facto couples (unmarried, unrelated couples who live together on a genuine domestic basis) are covered by family law in a similar way to married couples?

To look at whether a person is in a de facto relationship with another person, the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia looks at factors such as the duration of the relationship (a minimum of 2 years), whether there is a shared residence, the degree of financial dependence, whether the relationship is registered under a state or territory relationship register and, importantly, if there are children involved.

Why is this last factor important? Well, if there is a child of the relationship, the 2-year minimum duration requirement may be waived. Parenting disputes are resolved the same way for de facto couples as they are for married couples. In both cases, the court places the best interests of the child first. So, even if you are not married, you still have parenting rights and responsibilities under family law!

If you wish to know more about your rights under family law as a de facto couple, Verde Lawyers is happy to assist you.

Contact us today at Verde Lawyers at info@verdelawyers.com or 02 9283 5290.