Family & Relationships · South West
1 de facto relationships firm in South West, Western Australia, including Bunbury, Busselton, Margaret River.
1 firm
Bunbury, WA · South West
Biddulph & Turley provides legal services in Bunbury, WA. Listed practice areas include Family Law, Wills & Estates and Probate & Estate Administration.
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.
Bunbury, Busselton and Margaret River are separate starting points in the South West. For land or business work, explain whether the issue concerns ownership, a proposed transaction, a lease or an existing dispute.
For de facto relationships, ask which parts of the work the firm handles itself and whether it has relevant WA experience. Let the lawyer know if a property, employer, other party or existing proceeding is outside South West. 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.
Western Australia is the only state with its own family court: the Family Court of Western Australia hears parenting and property matters for both married and de facto couples. Other matters start in the Magistrates Court, with the District and Supreme Courts for serious cases, and the State Administrative Tribunal for planning, guardianship and many licensing reviews. Lawyers are admitted and regulated by the Legal Practice Board.
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 Magistrates Court. More serious cases go to the District Court or the Supreme Court of Western Australia. Family law matters are heard by the Family Court of Western 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 Western Australia are managed by the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia. You can check a solicitor's status on its public register or by contacting it directly.