by aardvark » Sun Jul 16, 2006 12:13 pm
A de facto relationship is defined as a “relationship between a man and a woman who live together as husband and wife on a bona fide domestic basis although not married to one another."
A partner in a de facto relationship will be entitled to make a claim for property under circumstances. For example, in NSW if you live together in a de facto relationship for more than 2 years. I'm not sure if all states require you to live together for the same amount of time.
If you have been living together for less than the required period in your state, then she may be entitled to a claim if:
You have had a child together, you are caring for her children or you made substantial contributions (financial or personal) for which you will not receive adequate compensation if the court does make a property order.
It's not as easy as the court saying, righto, you've been living in a defactor relationship, here's 50% for you and %50 for you. They take into account the financial and non-financial contributions of each partner.
If you live overseas in a de facto relationship with someone, then the Australian governement will recognise this relationship for the puprpose of immigration, so I imagine that they'd recognise a similar relationship here.
Like I said, it's not as easy as you getting half the property, and her getting half the property. If it looks at all like it's going to get messy, then find a family law lawyer.