De Facto Relationships and Separation
De facto relationship separation issues can involve parenting, property division and financial arrangements, and Law Tram helps you connect with licensed Australian lawyers who can explain your rights under the Family Law Act. This obligation-free online service supports you in understanding whether your relationship meets the legal definition of de facto, how separation is assessed and what steps you can take to resolve parenting or financial matters.
Separating from a de facto partner?
If you’ve been in a de facto relationship and are now separating, you may have the same rights and responsibilities as married couples including in relation to property, superannuation, and spousal maintenance.
In Australia, a de facto relationship is generally recognised if you’ve lived together for two years or more, or have a child together. But proving a de facto relationship and resolving legal issues after separation can be complex especially if you didn’t share everything financially or legally formalise your arrangements.
Law Tram connects you with lawyers who can explain where you stand and help you resolve your matter fairly and efficiently.
Law Tram's Legal Partners can assist with de facto separation matters, including:
- Confirming whether your relationship meets the legal definition of a de facto relationship
- Understanding your rights and responsibilities after separation
- Negotiating or formalising a property settlement
- Applying for spousal maintenance
- Resolving financial or parenting matters
- Advising on time limits for making a claim (usually 2 years after separation)
- Preparing Consent Orders or Binding Financial Agreements
- Supporting same-sex or culturally diverse relationships
- Responding to claims by a former partner
- Advising on separation where one party denies the relationship was de facto
Why choose Law Tram
- Connect with lawyers experienced in de facto separation matters
- Secure and private intake to outline your relationship circumstances
- Fast guidance on parenting, property settlement and financial issues
- No obligation to engage a lawyer unless you choose to proceed
- Lawyers help you understand your legal rights and obligations clearly
How it works
Confidential and Secure Questionnaire
Start by completing our secure online questionnaire. This step allows you to provide essential details about your family law matter and personal circumstances.
Confidential Legal Snapshots
Law Tram’s advanced technology generates a confidential legal brief summarising your situation while keeping your personal details private.
Review by Licensed Australian Lawyers
Your confidential legal snapshot is shared with our network of vetted lawyers who review your case to determine how they can assist.
Connect with a Lawyer
If a lawyer believes they can help, they will initiate a chat with you through the Law Tram platform. Your contact details remain private unless you choose to share them.
No Obligation
You are under no pressure to retain any lawyer unless you are confident in their ability to assist. Law Tram empowers you to make informed decisions.
What others are saying
Legal information only – not a substitute for advice
This page provides general legal information only. It is not legal advice and should not be relied on as such. De facto separation claims are often time-sensitive and fact-specific. You should seek advice from an Australian Legal Practitioner as early as possible.
Note: “Free service” refers only to Law Tram’s platform and process, not the legal advice itself.
Take the first step toward resolution
Law Tram offers a secure, efficient and supportive way to connect with lawyers who understand the legal issues involved in de facto relationships and separation. Whether you need guidance on property settlement, parenting arrangements or proving de facto status, our platform helps you access tailored legal advice before you proceed.
Take the first step with clarity and peace of mind by starting your free online consultation with Law Tram now.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s a relationship between two people (same or opposite sex) who live together as a couple on a genuine domestic basis, without being married.
Generally, you have 2 years from the date of separation to apply for property or spousal maintenance orders.
Not always. Many matters can be resolved through legal advice, negotiation, and formal agreements such as Consent Orders.
Yes. You may need to provide evidence such as joint finances, shared living arrangements, or mutual support to show the relationship existed.
A lawyer can help you understand the legal tests and what evidence may be needed to support your case.
Evidence may include joint finances, shared residence, duration of the relationship, public recognition and dependent children. A lawyer can help determine what proof is required.
No. De facto partners generally have two years from separation to begin property settlement proceedings. A lawyer can explain how this deadline applies in your case.
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast