If you and your partner separate, you must consider what will happen to the property you own and how it will be divided between the two of you. The process of deciding what assets, financial resources and liabilities to divide is known as a family law property settlement.
Property settlements can be done between parties have been married as well as couples who have been in a de facto relationship. A property settlement can be dealt with between the parties, or with the intervention of the court. In this blog, we discuss family law property settlements, particularly in relation to what happens to superannuation during the property settlement process.
What is “Property” in Family Law Proceedings?
It is commonly accepted that property can include, but is not limited to, real property, money in bank accounts, motor vehicles, superannuation entitlements, inheritances and business interests.
What happens to Superannuation after separation?
Superannuation is commonly included in property settlements. This may be undertaken by way of an agreement between the parties, which can be implement through Consent Orders or a Financial Agreement, or by the intervention of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (the “Court”).
However, it is important to note when dealing with a superannuation interest, the first step is to ascertain the value of the superannuation interest. In most situations, this will be done according to various methods set out in the Family Law (Superannuation) Regulations 2025. The particular method to be used in each individual case will depend on the superannuation fund. If the parties are dealing with a fund for which there is no specific method of valuation provided in the Regulations, the Court will determine the value as it considers appropriate. Once the superannuation is valued, it is included in the property pool (assets that arose out of the relationship) either amongst the other assets or as a separate list, depending on particular circumstances.
Consent Orders and Superannuation
Once the superannuation fund is valued, it can then be ascribed a value in the matrimonial property pool and can be dealt with by way of a Consent Order. A Consent Order is a written agreement that is approved by the Court, which can finalise financial arrangements between the parties. A Consent Order can contain provisions that the parties retain their personal superannuation entitlements, or that a portion is to be split with the other party. In the event that the superannuation entitlements of one party are to be divided, this is to be carried out by way of a ‘splitting order’.
Superannuation Splitting Orders
A superannuation split can be achieved by an order that allocates either an amount or a specified percentage from that party’s superannuation interest to the other party, which subsequently directs the trustee of the superfund to transfer their newly created entitlements into a separate superannuation scheme.
In some cases, it is impractical to determine the splitting of superannuation entitlements at the same time as other property issues are being dealt with. Such a determination may need to be postponed until a later stage in the proceedings because of certain difficulties with respect to the valuation of superannuation interests.
Contact us
It is vitally important to understand how superannuation will be dealt with in your family law proceedings. If you wish to discuss your unique circumstances with a highly experienced and strategic family lawyer, please do not hesitate to contact Etheringtons Solicitors in North Sydney on 9963 9800 or at via the contact form.