De Facto Family Parenting Arrangements: 6 Important Factors

de facto family | Melbourne Family Lawyers

A de facto family in Australia refers to a domestic arrangement where two individuals live together in a relationship akin to marriage but are not legally married. This type of de facto relationship is characterised by a genuine domestic basis, where partners share a life, often including financial interdependence, joint ownership of property, and mutual […]

Tax Benefits for De Facto Couples in Australia

de facto tax benefits australia | Melbourne Family Lawyers

De facto tax benefits in Australia are not automatically conferred and require a nuanced understanding of relevant legislation. Understanding how a de facto relationship impacts your tax situation can open doors to various financial benefits. Income Splitting: A Win-Win Income splitting can be a handy strategy for couples. By transferring income-generating assets to a partner […]

What You Need to Know About Cohabitation Agreements

cohabitation agreement | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Cohabitation agreements, often called ‘living together agreements,’ are formal, legally binding contracts between partners. They detail how assets, debts, and property will be handled during the relationship and in the event of separation. These agreements can also cover day-to-day financial arrangements, ownership of property acquired before or during the cohabitation, and maintenance obligations. In Australia, […]

De Facto Inheritance Law in Australia

de facto inheritance law australia | Melbourne Family Lawyers

In Australia, de facto inheritance laws dictate that if someone in a de facto relationship dies without a will (known as dying “intestate“), their surviving de facto partner has similar inheritance rights to those of a legally married spouse. This means the surviving partner is entitled to a share of the deceased’s estate, including property, […]

De Facto Relationships in Australia: The 6-Month Rule

de facto relationship australia 6 months | Melbourne Family Lawyers

What is a De Facto Relationship? In Australia, a de facto relationship is when two people, regardless of gender, live together as a couple on a genuine domestic basis. Understanding the Six-Month Rule While there is no strict legal rule that defines the exact duration required to be considered a de facto relationship, the six-month […]

Do Lesbians Have the Highest Divorce Rate?

do lesbians have the highest divorce rate | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Since the legalisation of same-sex marriage in Australia, the question “Do lesbians have the highest divorce rate?” has arisen in discussions about marriage and divorce trends. Recent statistics indicate that lesbian couples do indeed experience higher divorce rates compared to their gay male and heterosexual counterparts. This phenomenon can be attributed to various social, legal, […]

De Facto Visa for Australian Students: Eligibility and Process

de facto visa australia student | Melbourne Fa

When considering a de facto visa for Australia students, it’s important to understand the process, requirements, and benefits. This guide provides a detailed overview of how you can add a de facto partner to your student visa, ensuring a smooth transition for both parties. A de facto visa allows the partner of an international student […]

Defacto Visa Break Up: 2 Possible Outcomes

defacto visa break up | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Breaking up is never easy and can be even more complicated when you’re on a defacto visa in Australia. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s important to understand the implications and your options moving forward. What Happens When Your Defacto Visa Relationship Ends? When a relationship ends, and you are on a defacto […]

Can You Be Married and in a De Facto Relationship?

can you be married and in a defacto relationship | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Yes, you can be married to one person and in a de facto relationship with another simultaneously, at least in Australian family law. The law recognises de facto relationships even if one or both persons are legally married to someone else or in another de facto relationship. A de facto relationship is defined by the […]

De Facto Relationship Break up Entitlements

de facto relationship break up entitlements | Melbourne Family Lawyers

In Australia, de facto relationships are recognised under the law, and individuals involved in such relationships have certain de facto relationship break up entitlements and rights regarding separation and property settlement. This article written by our de facto lawyers aims to comprehensively understand de facto relationship breakup entitlements, including the legal framework, property division, financial […]