De facto lawyers advise unmarried couples on property, parenting and financial agreements.
firms
97
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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.
Why de facto relationships matters
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 Australian context
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.
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Summer Hill, NSW · Eastern Suburbs & Inner West
★★★★★★★★★★3.7(3)Google rating from 3 reviews, retrieved 18 Sept 2026
Hogg & Associates Lawyers provides legal services in Summer Hill, NSW. Listed practice areas include Family Law, Property & Conveyancing and Domestic Violence & AVOs.
Family Law+7 moreProperty & Conveyancing · Domestic Violence & AVOs · De Facto Relationships · Divorce & Separation · Family Property Settlement · Parenting & Child Custody · Mediation & Dispute ResolutionFree first consultThe firm advertises a free first consultation.
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Nedlands, WA · Perth CBD
New on GoogleOnly 2 Google reviews so far, not enough for a reliable rating
Crossing Family Lawyers provides legal services in Nedlands, WA. Listed practice areas include Family Law, Mediation & Dispute Resolution and Property & Conveyancing.
Family Law+7 moreMediation & Dispute Resolution · Property & Conveyancing · Parenting & Child Custody · Litigation & Dispute Resolution · Divorce & Separation · Family Property Settlement · De Facto Relationships
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Gosnells, WA · Perth East
New on GoogleOnly 1 Google review so far, not enough for a reliable rating
Biddulph & Turley provides legal services in Gosnells, WA. Listed practice areas include Family Law, Wills & Estates and Probate & Estate Administration.
Family Law+7 moreWills & Estates · Probate & Estate Administration · Divorce & Separation · De Facto Relationships · Property & Conveyancing · Parenting & Child Custody · Contested Wills & Family Provision
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Fremantle, WA · Perth South
New on GoogleOnly 1 Google review so far, not enough for a reliable rating
Elizabeth Wiese & Associates provides legal services in Fremantle, WA. Listed practice areas include Family Law, Wills & Estates and De Facto Relationships.
Family Law+7 moreWills & Estates · De Facto Relationships · Property & Conveyancing · Divorce & Separation · Mediation & Dispute Resolution · Contested Wills & Family Provision · Parenting & Child Custody
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Gosford, NSW · Central Coast
New on GoogleOnly 1 Google review so far, not enough for a reliable rating
Linda Emery & Associates Pty Ltd provides legal services in Gosford, NSW. Listed practice areas include Property & Conveyancing, Family Law and Business & Commercial Law.
Property & Conveyancing+7 moreFamily Law · Business & Commercial Law · De Facto Relationships · Powers of Attorney & Guardianship · Wills & Estates · Parenting & Child Custody · Franchising
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Point Cook, VIC · Western Melbourne
New on GoogleOnly 1 Google review so far, not enough for a reliable rating
Pearsons Lawyers Pty Ltd provides legal services in Point Cook, VIC. Listed practice areas include Family Law, Wills & Estates and Divorce & Separation.
Family Law+7 moreWills & Estates · Divorce & Separation · Domestic Violence & AVOs · Property & Conveyancing · De Facto Relationships · Binding Financial Agreements · Parenting & Child CustodyFree first consultThe firm advertises a free first consultation.
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Point Cook, VIC · Western Melbourne
New on GoogleOnly 1 Google review so far, not enough for a reliable rating
Point Cook Family Lawyers provides legal services in Point Cook, VIC. Listed practice areas include Family Law, Wills & Estates and Divorce & Separation.
Family Law+7 moreWills & Estates · Divorce & Separation · De Facto Relationships · Property & Conveyancing · Parenting & Child Custody · Domestic Violence & AVOs · Probate & Estate AdministrationFree first consultThe firm advertises a free first consultation.
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Noosaville, QLD · Sunshine Coast
CHOMLEY FAMILY LAW provides legal services in Noosaville, QLD. Listed practice areas include Family Law, International Family Law & Hague Abduction and Parenting & Child Custody.
Family Law+7 moreInternational Family Law & Hague Abduction · Parenting & Child Custody · Divorce & Separation · Property & Conveyancing · De Facto Relationships · Mediation & Dispute Resolution · Domestic Violence & AVOs
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Footscray, VIC · Western Melbourne
Pearsons Lawyers Pty Ltd provides legal services in Footscray, VIC. Listed practice areas include Family Law, Wills & Estates and Divorce & Separation.
Family Law+7 moreWills & Estates · Divorce & Separation · Domestic Violence & AVOs · Property & Conveyancing · De Facto Relationships · Binding Financial Agreements · Parenting & Child CustodyFree first consultThe firm advertises a free first consultation.
Verified: phone number confirmed on the firm’s website and Google
Albury, NSW · Riverina & Murray
Pigdon Norgate Family Lawyers Albury provides legal services in Albury, NSW. Listed practice areas include Family Law, Parenting & Child Custody and De Facto Relationships.
★★★★★★★★★★4.7(290)Google rating from 290 reviews, retrieved 18 Sept 2026
Cusack Galvin & James provides legal services in Strathpine, QLD. Listed practice areas include Property & Conveyancing, Wills & Estates and Probate & Estate Administration.
Property & Conveyancing+7 moreWills & Estates · Probate & Estate Administration · Business & Commercial Law · Family Law · Commercial Property & Leasing · Parenting & Child Custody · De Facto RelationshipsFree first consultThe firm advertises a free first consultation.
★★★★★★★★★★4.8(89)Google rating from 89 reviews, retrieved 18 Sept 2026
Top rated4.8★ or higher from at least 50 Google reviews
Just Family Law - Family Lawyers Dandenong provides legal services in Dandenong, VIC. Listed practice areas include Family Law, Parenting & Child Custody and Divorce & Separation.
Family Law+7 moreParenting & Child Custody · Divorce & Separation · Domestic Violence & AVOs · Property & Conveyancing · Litigation & Dispute Resolution · Family Property Settlement · De Facto RelationshipsFree first consult
★★★★★★★★★★4.9(70)Google rating from 70 reviews, retrieved 18 Sept 2026
Top rated4.8★ or higher from at least 50 Google reviews
Hansons Lawyers provides legal services in Sutherland, NSW. Listed practice areas include Property & Conveyancing, Business & Commercial Law and Debt Recovery.
Property & Conveyancing+7 moreBusiness & Commercial Law · Debt Recovery · Wills & Estates · Family Law · Criminal Law · Litigation & Dispute Resolution · De Facto Relationships2 languages
★★★★★★★★★★4.7(66)Google rating from 66 reviews, retrieved 18 Sept 2026
Bruce Dulley Family Lawyers provides legal services in Brisbane City, QLD. Listed practice areas include Family Law, Parenting & Child Custody and Binding Financial Agreements.
Family Law+7 moreParenting & Child Custody · Binding Financial Agreements · Mediation & Dispute Resolution · Property & Conveyancing · De Facto Relationships · Divorce & Separation · Family Property Settlement
★★★★★★★★★★4.4(47)Google rating from 47 reviews, retrieved 18 Sept 2026
Clancy & Triado provides legal services in Camberwell, VIC. Listed practice areas include Family Law, Divorce & Separation and De Facto Relationships.
Family Law+6 moreDivorce & Separation · De Facto Relationships · Wills & Estates · Parenting & Child Custody · Mediation & Dispute Resolution · International Family Law & Hague Abduction
★★★★★★★★★★4.8(44)Google rating from 44 reviews, retrieved 18 Sept 2026
LGee and Julius Lawyers provides legal services in Adelaide, SA. Listed practice areas include Property & Conveyancing, Litigation & Dispute Resolution and Wills & Estates.
Property & Conveyancing+7 moreLitigation & Dispute Resolution · Wills & Estates · Business & Commercial Law · Building & Construction · Family Law · Probate & Estate Administration · De Facto Relationships
Understand the next step
A practical guide to de facto relationships
What to discuss at the first meeting
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.
How the engagement may progress
01
Explain the relationship history, current arrangements and outcome you want. Identify immediate concerns and provide every existing order or agreement.
02
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.
03
Ask how an agreement would be documented and implemented. Clarify who handles related transfers, finance and estate-planning work.
Fees and the scope of 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.
Dates to raise at first contact
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.
Questions to ask a de facto relationships adviser
Which facts determine the available process?
What evidence should I gather about our arrangements?
Will you handle parenting, property and divorce together or separately?
How will you communicate with me safely?
What would change the proposed approach or budget?
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
Frequently asked questions
Are de facto couples treated like married couples?
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.
What is the time limit for de facto property claims?
Generally two years from the date of separation.
Do I need a lawyer to get divorced?
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.
How long do I have to settle property after separating?
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.
