Family & Relationships · Central West & Orana
2 de facto relationships firms in Central West & Orana, New South Wales, including Orange, Bathurst, Dubbo, Mudgee.
2 firms
Bathurst, NSW · Central West & Orana
Mason Mia & Associates provides legal services in Bathurst, NSW. Listed practice areas include Wills & Estates, Family Law and De Facto Relationships.
Bathurst, NSW · Central West & Orana
Garden & Montgomerie provides legal services in Bathurst, NSW. Listed practice areas include Property & Conveyancing, Business & Commercial Law and Wills & Estates.
De facto couples have similar rights to married couples under the Family Law Act, subject to meeting the definition of a de facto relationship. In most states that means two years together, a child together, or significant contributions. Property claims must generally be made within two years of separation.
De facto couples can have the same property and parenting rights as married couples, but only if the relationship meets the legal definition. Many don't realise their rights, or their exposure, until they separate.
The Family Law Act covers de facto couples in all states except Western Australia, where state law applies to property. Couples generally need two years together, a child, a registered relationship or substantial contributions to qualify.
Understand the next step
Explain the relationship history, living arrangements and financial connections. The lawyer can assess which issues require advice without assuming the same pathway applies to every unmarried couple.
Ask about the relevant jurisdiction and requirements before relying on assumptions based only on the length of the relationship.
Orange, Bathurst, Dubbo, Mudgee and Parkes provide several starting points for a Central West and Orana search. For land or business matters, tell the lawyer whether the issue concerns ownership, a contract, a licence or an ongoing dispute.
For de facto relationships, ask which parts of the work the firm handles itself and whether it has relevant NSW experience. Let the lawyer know if a property, employer, other party or existing proceeding is outside Central West & Orana. Your home address alone does not determine the applicable process.
Explain the relationship history, current arrangements and outcome you want. Identify immediate concerns and provide every existing order or agreement.
Discuss negotiation and family dispute resolution. Parenting applications generally involve prior dispute resolution unless an exception applies; ask the lawyer to assess the appropriate process.
Ask how an agreement would be documented and implemented. Clarify who handles related transfers, finance and estate-planning work.
Ask for separate estimates for advice, negotiation, document preparation and court work. A fixed divorce-application fee does not necessarily cover parenting or financial disputes.
Ask for a written scope identifying the work you are authorising, the person responsible and when costs will be reviewed. If you only want advice on one step, say so before the firm begins wider work.
Highlight court dates, proposed travel or relocation and any planned property sale. Ask which time limits apply to your particular issues rather than assuming there is one deadline for everything.
In New South Wales, most criminal and minor civil matters start in the Local Court, with more serious matters in the District Court and Supreme Court. Tenancy, strata, consumer and guardianship disputes usually go to NCAT. Solicitors are licensed by the Law Society of New South Wales, and complaints about lawyers go to the Office of the Legal Services Commissioner.
Good to know
Largely, yes, for property and parenting under federal law, if you meet the de facto definition. Different rules apply for some matters under state law.
Generally two years from the date of separation.
Most matters start in the Local Court. More serious cases go to the District Court or the Supreme Court of NSW. Family law matters are heard by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
Directory guidance updated 19 September 2026. General information to help you prepare for a conversation with a professional; not advice about your individual matter. Check current requirements with the relevant authority.
Practising certificates in New South Wales are managed by the Law Society of New South Wales. You can check a solicitor's status on its public register or by contacting it directly.