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 […]

Ending a De Facto Relationship in Victoria

ending a defacto relationship vic | Melbourne Family Lawyers

Ending a defacto relationship in Vic can be a complex process. While it may not involve the formalities of a divorce, there are still legal considerations to keep in mind. It’s a big step, and while it might be emotionally draining, there are some practical things you need to sort out. Here are the things […]

Advantages and Disadvantages of a De Facto Relationship

de facto advantages and disadvantages | Melbourne Family Lawyers

When it comes to relationships, the term “de facto” has gained significant legal standing in Australia. While many consider de facto relationships a more flexible alternative to traditional marriage, weighing the advantages and disadvantages is crucial. This article aims to provide you with a balanced view. Advantages of a De Facto Relationship Legal Rights Similar […]

Is a De Facto Partner Considered a Spouse? Exploring Legal Definitions

is de facto a spouse | Melbourne Family lawyers

A de facto relationship exists when two people, regardless of gender, live together on a genuine domestic basis. However, you’re not in a de facto relationship if you’re legally married to each other or related by family. The relationship must also meet certain “gateway” criteria, such as a minimum duration of two years, to be […]