Our experienced de facto property lawyers understand the law and can develop the right strategies to get you the best outcome for your de facto property matter. No de facto property settlement is too complex.

One of the major sociological changes of the past generation has been the number of couples who live together without ever having said “I do” in front of a marriage celebrant.

A de facto relationship has been described by judges as a relationship where a man and a woman live together as husband and wife without being married, and as with a married couple, a same sex couple can have property and financial claims against each other if they separate.

De facto property law also covers same sex couples. There has been a significant change to the legislation to cater for same sex couples who do want to be married.

No property settlement is too complex. Our team have successfully settled thousands of de facto property settlement matters for clients across South East Queensland.

To be eligible you must have been with your partner for 2 years or have a child.

Laws were introduced in 2009 that resulted in Queensland referring the powers to govern financial matters following the breakdown of a de facto relationship to the Commonwealth. The new addition of Part VIIIAB to the Family Law Act 1975 (“the Act“), effected a number of substantial changes to laws governing a de facto relationship.

De Facto Property Settlement Claims

De facto property settlement claims only arise in a de facto relationship if the parties have been together for 2 years, or have a child. However, de facto property settlement claims may be made if there has been a substantial contribution and injustice would occur if the claim was not permitted.

Similar to property settlement claims for married couples, past contributions, both financial and non-financial, as well as future needs are accounted for to determine the appropriate division for the parties to a de facto relationship.

Superannuation

Superannuation splitting is available to de facto couples, as they are with married couples.

Financial Agreements

With the enactment of Part VIIIAB, de facto couples may enter into financial agreements similar to those of married couples.

Child Support

The carer of a child has the right to claim maintenance for themselves, but only until a child turns 12. This right is based on a need, and is then subject to an ability to pay. Child support and any matters relating to parenting are for the child support as well as family laws.

Initial Consultation

Attending an initial consultation at any of our local offices or by telephone, is the essential first step.

The initial consultation provides you with an opportunity to meet your dedicated lawyer, discuss issues, identify your options, map solutions and provide an estimate of costs. Our initial consultations also provide the perfect opportunity to have a no obligation, confidential discussion about your family law matter.

In addition, the time spent provides you with an opportunity to assess whether our family lawyer is the right one for you during this important and often stressful transition in your life.

Payment Options/Deferred Fees Available

We understand that the urgent, and often unavoidable, nature of family law matters may leave you financially blindsided.

If eligible, we may be able to represent you on a “deferred fee basis”. This arrangement means your legal fees can be paid at predetermined intervals for example, following the sale of a property or at the conclusion of your matter. Our expert lawyers will keep you up-to-date with costs, allowing you to stay in control of spend.

To determine your eligibility, call us on 1800 957 936 or submit an enquiry below. This aspect can also be discussed during an initial consultation.

Please note, we do not offer ‘no win no fee’ arrangements for family law matters.

Legal Aid

RMO Law does not do Legal Aid for family law matters. If you require detailed information on the Legal Aid process, eligibility requirements or would like to make an application for a family solicitor, visit Legal Aid Queensland’s website or access the Factsheet ‘Can I get Legal Aid’.

How We Can Help

Our family lawyers have successfully settled 100’s of de facto property matters.

RMO Law’s expert Family Law Team can assess your individual situation in accordance with the Act, provide expert guidance in negotiations with your former partner surrounding the fair division of property. We also offer practical and experienced advice if appearing before the court is unavoidable, and provide you with the best legal representation if court-ordered agreements are required.

With over 40 years’ experience, our Family Law Team are experts in the family law field. The team also boasts an Accredited Family Law Specialist.

Contact Us

Get the best representation. Book an initial consultation. Contact RMO’s experienced de facto property matters lawyers on 1800 957 936, email mail@rmolaw.com.au or submit an enquiry below.