Family & Defacto

Family Lawyer in Gladstone and Surrounding Areas

What is a De Facto Relationship?

At Ramos & Co in Gladstone, our family lawyers offer legal assistance for a variety of matters including providing counsel for de facto relationships. A de facto relationship is defined as a relationship between two people (of the same or opposite sex) who live together on a domestic basis. This term is often used to describe couples who are not married but live together in a committed, long-term relationship.

Couples in a de facto relationship have many of the same rights and responsibilities as married couples including the right to property settlement and spousal maintenance in the event of separation. If you are in a de facto relationship and you separate, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible to discuss your rights and options.

Proving Your De Factor Relationship

In order for a couple to be considered in a de facto relationship in the eyes of the law in Australia, you must be able to prove that:

  • Your relationship lasted for at least two years 
  • You made financial or non-financial contributions to the other person’s property 
  • An injustice would be caused if property is not divided 

It is essential you can uphold these points with appropriate documentation where required before you make an application to the courts. In some cases, it would be prudent to provide evidence that your de facto relationship was registered in your state or territory. Furthermore, children of de facto relationships will have the same rights as children of married couple. At Ramos & Co, we can provide assistance in helping you validate your de facto relationship for legal purposes. Book a consultation with one of our family lawyers today on (07) 4972 7707. We’ll be happy to help you out in any way we can.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the rights and obligations included in being in a de facto relationship?

    There are many rights and obligations that come with being in a de facto relationship, which is why it's important to seek legal advice if you're unsure about your status. Some of these rights and obligations include:


    • Property rights 
    • Spousal maintenance 
    • Child support 
    • Tax benefits & liabilities 

  • How long do I need to live with my partner before we are considered in a de facto relationship?

    There is no set time period you need to live with your partner before you are considered to be in a de facto relationship. However, it is generally accepted that you need to have lived together for at least two (2) years before you can be considered to be in a de facto relationship.

  • Do we need to be married or in a registered partnership to be considered in a de facto relationship?

    No, you do not need to be married or in a registered partnership to be considered in a de facto relationship. A de facto relationship is defined as a marriage-like relationship between two people who live together on a genuine domestic basis. This means you and your partner must share a close personal relationship and live together as a couple.

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Matters of Family Law

When it comes to family law, Ramos & Co can provide you with comprehensive representation and support. Family law matters can be emotionally charged and complex, which is why we offer a compassionate and personalised approach to each of our clients. Our lawyers aid clients with all aspects of family law including property settlements, divorce, child support and spousal maintenance. We understand the challenges that come with dealing with family law matters, and we're here to help you every step of the way. 

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