The Legal Implications of Partner Separation

When a relationship breaks down, there are significant legal implications to consider. The legal consequences of a partner separation differ from divorce to de facto relationships, and are impacted by your living circumstances.

What is the definition of ‘separation’?

‘Separation’ in family law is defined as the bringing to an end of a marriage or de facto relationship. There is no requirement to register a relationship separation under Australian law. However, separation is a fact which must be proven if it is disputed by one party in legal proceedings.

In the case of a divorce, the date of separation is recorded on the application for divorce and is sworn or affirmed to be true and correct by the applicant. If you cannot prove you separated from your spouse at least 12 months before you file your application for divorce, the court will not grant the divorce.

Therefore, it is a good idea to confirm the separation in writing, even if this is via text message or email that can be saved. Often divorce cases and cases for property settlement in de facto relationships can turn upon whether or not a party can prove that separation occurred on a particular date.

What about de facto relationships?

In the case of a de facto relationship, whether or not a property settlement is available can depend on whether the relationship lasted for two years or longer. If the de facto relationship was less than two years long the court may have no jurisdiction under the Family Law Act to provide a property settlement. There may be alternate remedies available or another basis other than the two year requirement to show that a de facto relationship existed.

In addition, there is also a two year limitation period in which to commence the application, from the time of separation. In such cases, again, the date of separation in evidence can be significant.

What about if you still live together?

Separation can take place even if the parties still live in the same property. In these cases, the court will need to examine a number of factors to determine when and if a separation has taken place. Those factors can include whether the parties:

• Slept in separate rooms or together after the alleged date of separation;
• Performed domestic duties such as cooking and washing for each other after the alleged date of separation;
• Separated their financial affairs to any extent after the date of separation;
• Lodged or signed any documents informing government agencies of the separation, such as applications for Centrelink or ATO documents as a single person, as opposed to a person in a relationship;
• Continued to be intimate after the date of alleged separation; and
• Made it publicly known (such as by telling friends and family), that they had separated.

Ten things to consider if a marriage or de facto relationship has just ended:

1. Contact your bank or financial institution in writing (in person or email- with your signature appearing) to separate or freeze joint funds.
2. If your ex-partner has your power of attorney, ensure it is revoked, and have a new one drafted.
3. Consider whether your nominated death beneficiary for your superannuation entitlements is appropriate.
4. Photocopy all of your and your ex’s financial documents and put them in a secure location (this should not be at your home or in your motor vehicle).
5. Look at your will and consider if it is still what is appropriate.
6. If you have children, contact the Child Support Agency and find out how much is to be paid or is payable for child support and what impact that will have on any pension.
7. Do title searches on your If your home is not in your name or is in joint names consider placing caveats over the properties. If your property is held as a joint tenant, consider severing the joint tenancy.
8. If there has been family violence in the relationship you may need to seek an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO).
9. Start a diary which keeps track of time your partner has with the children and any adverse behaviour they display.
10. Seek advice from an experienced lawyer.

Contact Us

There are many legal considerations that arise following a relationship breakdown. If you need more information, or if someone you know needs help, please contact Etheringtons Solicitors to speak to one of our experienced solicitors on (02) 9963 9800 or contact us via our form here.