Family & Relationships
De facto lawyers advise unmarried couples on property, parenting and financial agreements.
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.
De Facto Relationships firms in the directory
97 firms
Adelaide, SA · Adelaide CBD
Indigo Lawyers provides legal services in Adelaide, SA. Listed practice areas include Family Law, De Facto Relationships and Parenting & Child Custody.
Adelaide, SA · Adelaide CBD
Norman Waterhouse Lawyers provides legal services in Adelaide, SA. Listed practice areas include Property & Conveyancing, Debt Recovery and Litigation & Dispute Resolution.
Wollongong, NSW · Illawarra & Wollongong
South Coast Family Law Group provides legal services in Wollongong, NSW. Listed practice areas include Family Law, Property & Conveyancing and Parenting & Child Custody.
Midland, WA · Perth East
Ds Family Law provides legal services in Midland, WA. Listed practice areas include Family Law, International Family Law & Hague Abduction and Parenting & Child Custody.
Heidelberg, VIC · Northern Melbourne
RT Legal provides legal services in Heidelberg, VIC. Listed practice areas include Family Law, Wills & Estates and Mediation & Dispute Resolution.
Sydney, NSW · Sydney CBD
Orman Solicitors provides legal services in Sydney, NSW. Listed practice areas include Family Law, International Family Law & Hague Abduction and Wills & Estates.
Jandakot, WA · Perth South
Biddulph & Turley provides legal services in Jandakot, WA. Listed practice areas include Family Law, Wills & Estates and Probate & Estate Administration.
Mount Pleasant, WA · Perth South
Biddulph & Turley provides legal services in Mount Pleasant, WA. Listed practice areas include Family Law, Wills & Estates and Probate & Estate Administration.
Caloundra, QLD · Sunshine Coast
Ferrall & Co. Lawyers provides legal services in Caloundra, QLD. Listed practice areas include Family Law, Divorce & Separation and Parenting & Child Custody.
Nowra, NSW · South Coast
Family First Lawyers provides legal services in Nowra, NSW. Listed practice areas include Family Law, Property & Conveyancing and Parenting & Child Custody.
Gawler South, SA · Barossa & Adelaide Hills
Shorter Legal provides legal services in Gawler South, SA. Listed practice areas include Family Law, Wills & Estates and Parenting & Child Custody.
Wollongong, NSW · Illawarra & Wollongong
Seacliff Family Law provides legal services in Wollongong, NSW. Listed practice areas include Family Law, Divorce & Separation and Property & Conveyancing.
Mount Pleasant, WA · Perth South
Doray Legal provides legal services in Mount Pleasant, WA. Listed practice areas include Family Law, Wills & Estates and De Facto Relationships.
Perth Cbd, WA · Perth CBD
Anne Payne provides legal services in Perth Cbd, WA. Listed practice areas include Family Law, De Facto Relationships and Divorce & Separation.
West Ryde, NSW · Sydney North Shore & Northern Beaches
Webb Thom & Associates provides legal services in West Ryde, NSW. Listed practice areas include Property & Conveyancing, Business & Commercial Law and Family Law.
Wagga Wagga, NSW · Riverina & Murray
Wagga Family Lawyers provides legal services in Wagga Wagga, NSW. Listed practice areas include Family Law, Property & Conveyancing and Parenting & Child Custody.
Black Rock, VIC · South East Melbourne
Burrell Family Law provides legal services in Black Rock, VIC. Listed practice areas include Family Law, Parenting & Child Custody and Divorce & Separation.
Mount Gambier, SA · Limestone Coast
Mahony's Lawyers provides legal services in Mount Gambier, SA. Listed practice areas include Wills & Estates, Family Law and Medical Negligence.
Mount Gambier, SA · Limestone Coast
Mahony's Lawyers provides legal services in Mount Gambier, SA. Listed practice areas include Wills & Estates, Family Law and Medical Negligence.
Canberra, ACT · Canberra
Nicholls Anzani Family Lawyers provides legal services in Canberra, ACT. Listed practice areas include Family Law, Parenting & Child Custody and Divorce & Separation.
Cronulla, NSW · Southern Sydney
Tiernan Lawyers provides legal services in Cronulla, NSW. Listed practice areas include Wills & Estates, De Facto Relationships and Planning & Environment.
Chatswood, NSW · Sydney North Shore & Northern Beaches
Roseville Legal Services provides legal services in Chatswood, NSW. Listed practice areas include Wills & Estates, Family Law and Property & Conveyancing.
Albury, NSW · Riverina & Murray
Robb & Associates Solicitors provides legal services in Albury, NSW. Listed practice areas include Family Law, Property & Conveyancing and Binding Financial Agreements.
Campbelltown, SA · Adelaide Metro
Mahony's Lawyers provides legal services in Campbelltown, SA. Listed practice areas include Wills & Estates, Family Law and Medical Negligence.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Not always. A simple divorce application can be filed online without one. It's worth getting advice before you apply if you have children, shared property or superannuation, because divorce starts the clock on time limits for property claims.
Married couples generally have 12 months from the date the divorce becomes final. De facto couples generally have two years from separation. After that you need the court's permission, which is not guaranteed.
