Expertise

De-Facto Relationships

SPEAK WITH A FAMILY LAWYER

Extensive Experience


Kells specialises in all areas of family law including divorce, separation, child custody, child support, property and financial agreements and settlements.

Dedicated Team


Conveniently located throughout Sydney and across the Illawarra region, our team offers the highest level of service, whilst remaining affordable and easy to talk to.

Trusted Family Lawyers


Nothing is more important to our team than upholding your rights and best interests throughout your legal process.

Here to Help


If you’re in a de-facto relationship and you have questions about your legal rights and entitlements with regards to property or children’s issues during a separation, the family law team at Kells can help. Get in touch with us today to discuss your circumstances.

Family Law & Children


Area of Expertise

How Can Our Family Lawyers Help?

Couples who are in a de-facto relationship can face unique legal issues when it comes to separation and dividing the assets accumulated during the relationship. Since these matters tend to be complex, sound legal advice is crucial in these circumstances to ensure your rights and best interests are protected.

At Kells, our experienced family lawyers understand these complexities and have the knowledge and expertise to give you the best possible outcome. We can advise you on what constitutes a de facto relationship in the eyes of the law and your rights with respect to property, maintenance and children in the event of a relationship breakdown.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Am I in a de facto relationship?

    The following criteria is used by the Court to consider whether you are in a de facto relationship with another person:


    • The persons are over the age of 18 and not legally married to each other
    • The persons are not related by family
    • Having regard to all of the circumstances of the relationship they are a couple living together on a genuine domestic basis.

    The law in Australia since March 2009 provides equality between de facto couples (including same-sex couples) and married couples. The law provides for property and financial issues and children’s issues to be determined upon the breakdown of the relationship and Kells can advise you of your options in this regard.

  • Is there a time limit after separating to bring an application for property settlement?

    Yes. The time limit is two years after the breakdown of the de facto relationship however the court may still consider an application made outside of the two-year period if it’s believed that the applicant or a child of the relationship would suffer hardship if the application was refused.

  • What should I do if I am separating?

    Come and see one of the specialist family lawyers at Kells to obtain advice about your separation, including your rights and entitlements in relation to property and children’s issues.

Get The Right Legal Advice for Your Family Law Matter

Call our family lawyers today to discuss your case.

Family Law & Children


Area of Expertise

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