De Facto Services in Sydney

If you are in a de facto relationship in NSW and need expert legal advice or assistance, CM Lawyers in Marrickville is here to guide you. Whether you're entering into a de facto relationship, seeking advice on separation, or facing complex property settlement disputes, our team of highly skilled family lawyers in Sydney is ready to provide clear and effective legal solutions.

A de facto relationship in Australia is a partnership where two people live together as a couple but are not legally married. The family law in New South Wales provides similar legal protections for individuals in a de facto relationship as it does for married couples—especially in matters related to property division, spousal maintenance, and children’s rights.

One important consideration for couples is a Binding Financial Agreement in De Facto Relationships. This legal agreement, often referred to as a BFA, can be made at the beginning, during, or after a relationship. It outlines how assets, debts, and financial resources will be divided in the event of a separation. A well-drafted BFA can protect your interests and minimise future disputes.

At CM Lawyers, we understand the complexities of family law and the unique circumstances surrounding de facto relationships. We offer comprehensive services tailored to help you navigate these challenges and protect your legal rights—whether you are entering a relationship, finalising a binding financial agreement, facing separation, or resolving financial disputes.

What is a De Facto Relationship?

A de facto relationship is a long-term, committed partnership between two people who live together as a couple but are not married. Under Australian law, a de facto relationship is recognized if the couple has lived together for at least two years, though the court can still recognize shorter relationships depending on various factors such as the length of cohabitation, financial interdependence, and whether the couple shares domestic responsibilities.

Check here: What Legally Qualifies a Defacto Relationship?

If you're in a de facto relationship, you have legal rights similar to those of a married couple in matters like:

Property division: In the event of separation or dissolution of the relationship, your assets will be divided in a manner that is fair and equitable.

Spousal maintenance: A partner in a de facto relationship may be entitled to financial support after separation if they can demonstrate a need for maintenance.

Children’s arrangements: If there are children involved, issues regarding custody, visitation, and child support will be addressed.

Despite these legal rights, de facto relationships can lead to complicated disputes, particularly around property settlement, spousal maintenance, and issues related to child custody. This is where CM Lawyers steps in to offer the necessary legal guidance and representation.

Why Choose CM Lawyers for Your De Facto Legal Services?

At CM Lawyers, we specialize in offering tailored advice and representation for individuals involved in de facto relationships in Sydney. Our team is equipped to handle various legal issues that arise in family law, and we are committed to providing expert assistance in the following areas:

Property Settlements: Ensuring that the distribution of assets and liabilities is fair and equitable.
Spousal Maintenance: Helping you seek the financial support you need or challenge an application for maintenance.
Parenting Arrangements: Protecting the rights of both parents and ensuring the well-being of children.
De Facto Separation: Guiding you through the legal aspects of separation, including property settlements and custody matters.

Here are the key reasons why CM Lawyers should be your first choice for de facto legal services:

Expert Knowledge in Family Law: Our lawyers are highly experienced in handling matters involving de facto relationships and family law issues. We understand the complexities of property division and how best to navigate the legal system to achieve a favorable outcome for our clients.
Comprehensive Legal Advice: Whether you are separating, entering a relationship, or seeking assistance with spousal maintenance, we provide detailed legal advice tailored to your specific situation.
Clear and Compassionate Communication: Family law issues can be sensitive and emotional, especially in matters involving property settlements and children’s custody. Our lawyers offer compassionate advice while remaining clear and focused on your goals.
Tailored Legal Solutions: Every de facto relationship is unique, and we customize our approach to fit your individual needs. We help you make informed decisions that best protect your interests and future.

Legal Matters Involving De Facto Relationships in Sydney

As individuals in de facto relationships gain legal rights similar to married couples, several important legal issues can arise, particularly during separation or in the event of disputes. CM Lawyers offers expertise in resolving these matters, including:

Property Settlements for De Facto Couples: When a de facto relationship breaks down, property settlements become a critical issue. Much like in divorce proceedings, property must be divided in a manner that is fair and just. However, the process of dividing property in a de facto relationship can be more complicated due to the absence of a legal marriage certificate. At CM Lawyers, we help you navigate the property settlement process by:
1. Identifying and valuing your shared assets (e.g., homes, vehicles, investments).
2. Assisting with the division of assets in a manner that is equitable and just.
3. Representing you in court, if necessary, to ensure that your financial interests are protected.

Spousal Maintenance: If one partner is unable to support themselves after separation, they may be entitled to spousal maintenance. This is financial support provided by the other partner, and it can be an important aspect of de facto separation. At CM Lawyers, we offer comprehensive advice on:
1. Whether you are entitled to spousal maintenance.
2. The process of applying for spousal maintenance.
3. How to defend against an application for maintenance if you feel it is unjustified.

Children and Parenting Arrangements: In de facto relationships, children’s rights and parenting arrangements can be a significant concern, particularly if the relationship breaks down. It is vital to ensure that children’s best interests are prioritized while addressing the needs and rights of both parents. Our legal team can assist with:
1. Parenting orders: Determining where the children will live and how time will be shared between parents.
2. Child support: Ensuring that financial support is provided for the children after separation.
3. Custody disputes: Helping you navigate the complexities of custody disputes and court orders.

De Facto Separation: When a de facto relationship ends, a legal process similar to divorce must be followed to settle property and custody matters. We provide guidance on the legal steps involved in de facto separation, including:

1. How to file for property settlements
2. How to navigate complex issues surrounding custody and child support.
3. Representing you in court to ensure that your rights are upheld.

Legal Rights of De Facto Partners: Many people in de facto relationships are unaware of the full scope of their legal rights. At CM Lawyers, we offer detailed advice on:

1. Your rights and responsibilities in the relationship.
2. What happens to your assets in the event of separation.
3. The legal protections available to you and your children.

The Importance of Legal Advice for De Facto Relationships

Legal advice is crucial for individuals in de facto relationships, whether you are entering a new partnership, facing separation, or dealing with complex financial or parenting issues. Without proper legal guidance, important matters such as property division, spousal maintenance, and children’s arrangements can become contentious and costly.

At CM Lawyers, we ensure that you have a clear understanding of your rights and responsibilities and that your de facto agreement or separation process is handled efficiently. Our team works to minimize the emotional and financial impact of legal disputes and helps you find the best possible outcome.

How CM Lawyers Can Help You

Our family law team in Sydney is committed to providing expert legal assistance for de facto relationships. We handle all aspects of de facto separation, from property settlements to spousal maintenance and parenting arrangements. Here’s how we can help:

We provide expert legal advice on the rights and obligations of individuals in de facto relationships.

We assist in negotiating fair and equitable property settlements.

We represent you in court if required, ensuring that your financial interests and parenting rights are protected.

We understand the personal and emotional nature of de facto relationship disputes and work to provide legal solutions that are fair and focused on achieving the best possible outcome for you and your family.

De Facto Services
in Sydney – CM Lawyers