A commonly held fear is that becoming involved with someone results in that party becoming entitled to half of the assets brought into the relationship by the other, upon a later split. Fortunately, there is no blanket approach imposing a 50/50 split.
The portrayal in some U.S. based legal television series, of a pre-nuptial agreement protecting the family fortune of the wealthy intended-spouse from the clutches of the poor one, is simplistic at best.
In this blog we look at the circumstances in which a relationship between two people who aren’t married but live in the same residence, part or all of the time, could be considered to be a de facto relationship under Australian family law.
Murray Crawford recounts matters handled by the firm where estranged spouses have allegedly installed spyware onto mobile phones without the knowledge or consent of the phone user.
A common question in property settlement matters is whether property acquired or improved by one party following separation is available for division between both the parties.
Although it is tedious, failing to disclose a piece of relevant and material financial information could be fatal to the settlement, especially when there is a small property pool.
Whether you have been married or living as a de facto couple and regardless of the duration of your relationship, separation is a painful and disruptive time. Can your ex-partner make a financial claim against the assets you divided informally after separation? 
If your settlement was not finalised in accordance with family law requirements, a second bite of the cherry is possible. And that inheritance or Oz Lotto win received after separation is up for grabs!
