DE FACTO RELATIONSHIPS: Am I entitled to a property settlement?

Published by Law Society of New South Wales

If you were in a de facto relationship which has broken down since 1 March 2009, you can make a claim for a property adjustment under the Family Law Act. However, you usually need to show that you have lived together for at least two years.

If your relationship has lasted less than two years, you may claim if there is a child of the relationship; or you are caring for a child of the other party, and the failure to make an order would result in serious injustice to you; or you made substantial contributions (financial or personal) for which you will not receive adequate compensation if the court does not make a property order, and the failure to make an order would result in serious injustice to you.

If your relationship broke down before 1 March 2009, you may still be able to make an application under the Property (Relationships) Act of NSW.