| (03) 9269 0120Melbourne | 1800 677 402Rural areas | Locate us |
Property includes assets (the things you own) and liabilities (the things you owe money on). These can be owned individually, jointly (with another person or persons), or by a family trust or family company.
When a relationship ends, the property of the people involved in the relationship is divided between them. This may be done by joint agreement, by using a dispute resolution service to help reach agreement, or by going to court.
Even if you are able to reach an agreement about division of property it is a good idea to get legal help before you start negotiating, and again before you sign an agreement.
Property disputes between domestic partners (heterosexual and same-sex) can be heard in a number of courts in all states and territories except Western Australia. However, only people who are married can go to the family law courts for a property settlement. The law is changing throughout Australia for unmarried partners. Get legal advice.
De facto & same-sex relationships