Following the breakdown of a marriage or de facto relationship, separated parties must consider how to divide joint property. It is crucial to understand each party’s ability to claim entitlements in a property settlement and the assets they are likely to retain.

Family law is a complicated and emotional area of law which is often poorly understood. This is reflected in a great quantity of inaccurate statements often regarded as fact by those in the community. This blog will debunk several of the property settlement myths and provide you with an understanding of the factors a court will consider to resolve a property settlement dispute.

The myth of a 50/50 split

Contrary to popular belief, there is no presumption that assets should be divided 50/50, 60/40 or in any other subjective proportion. The Family Court always has full discretion to divide property in a proportion that is just and equitable for both parties.

People often receive ‘advice’ from well-meaning friends or family as a result of their own experiences. However, no two cases are decided the same and there is no presumption of any kind in relation to a financial settlement when it comes to percentage entitlements. Comparing another person’s property settlement outcome to your own can be misleading and unhelpful when it creates a false expectation or entitlement.

Each property settlement situation is different and should be carefully assessed by a family lawyer qualified to provide you with proper advice.

Factors to be taken into account by the court 

The Family Law Act outlines what factors must be taken into account when the courts consider how property is to be divided. There is no universal equation applied to calculate the weight given to each factor. Property settlement is based on all of the information provided and the discretion of the court in deciding the matter.

To decide how to distribute the assets the court will normally take into account factors including:

• The current value of the assets and liabilities to establish a ‘net asset pool’. This includes superannuation entitlements, as well as assets held personally, in partnership or trusts, or by companies.
• The direct financial contributions made by each person to the acquisition of assets or the preservation, improvement or maintenance of those assets. This will include assets owned at the commencement of the relationship.
• The indirect financial contributions made by each person in the relationship, for example, the giving up of a career to allow the other person to further their own career.
• The non-financial contributions by each person, like caring for children, being the homemaker and maintaining or improving the assets by personal exertion such as individual efforts in renovations that increase the value of an asset.
• Identifying the future needs of the parties, for example, age, health, financial resources, superannuation, care of children and income earning capacity.

After considering all of the above factors and others, the Court will consider whether any proposed property settlement is ‘just and equitable’ in the circumstances of the particular case.

The outcome cannot be predicted since no particular factor is given priority over another. For example,  someone who is the sole income earner will not necessarily be entitled to a greater financial settlement than the other person who was a stay-at-home parent to the children of the relationship.

Summary

It is important to remember that there is no presumption of equality (like a 50/50 split) as a starting point in respect of contributions and that each matter will be decided upon the particular circumstances of that case. The Family Court has broad powers to make orders for a just and equitable division of assets.

It is important for anyone considering separating from their spouse, or who has already separated, to obtain independent legal advice from an experienced family law practitioner about their likely property settlement entitlements.

If you would like advice, guidance or assistance about property settlement entitlements following the breakdown of a marriage or relationship, contact Etheringtons Family Lawyers in North Sydney on (02) 9963 9800 or via the form here.