- Relationship break up
- Separation & divorce
- Care of children
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- Family violence
- Relationship property
The Family Court can make Orders dividing relationship property when you’ve been married or in a civil union or de facto relationship.
Married people and civil union partners are covered from the date of their marriage or civil union.
Different rules apply for dividing up property, depending on whether you’ve been married or in a civil union for less than 3 years or more than 3 years.
If you were living as a de facto couple before your marriage or civil union, that time will be treated as if it were part of the marriage or civil union.
In most cases, only people who have lived together in a de facto relationship for at least 3 years are covered unless there is a child involved or 1 partner has made a significant contribution to the relationship.
The court will look at many things when deciding whether 2 people are in a de facto relationship, including:
It's a good idea to talk to a lawyer to find out if your relationship is covered.
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