Understanding your legal rights in a de facto relationship is essential, especially when property, finances or children are involved. Whether you are planning ahead or separating, working with experienced family lawyers in Perth ensures you get clear advice tailored to your situation.
At Leach Legal, we provide outcome-focused legal strategies that minimise disruption and reduce risk. Our team works with business owners and professionals seeking clarity on how de facto laws apply to their situation, without added complexity.
What is a de facto relationship under WA law?
In Western Australia, a de facto relationship is recognised when two people live together on a genuine domestic basis, but are unmarried. These relationships are legally significant and can carry many of the same responsibilities as marriage. To access legal protections under the Family Court Act, the relationship typically must have lasted for at least two years, or involve children or significant financial contributions.
This classification affects:
- Property settlement entitlements.
- Superannuation splitting (in limited circumstances).
- Parenting and child support arrangements.
- Spousal maintenance obligations.
Each of these areas requires careful assessment, particularly for individuals with complex financial structures such as trusts, companies or jointly held assets.
What to expect during a de facto separation
The end of a de facto relationship does not automatically trigger legal proceedings, but it does start the statutory timeframe. There is a two-year time limit to initiate property settlement or spousal maintenance claims. Acting early ensures you retain full access to available legal options.
Working with a specialised legal team helps you:
- Identify and protect your financial interests.
- Understand how contributions and future needs are assessed.
- Avoid informal agreements that may lead to disputes later.
In high-stakes matters, the process demands precision. At Leach Legal, we provide clear steps to help you separate efficiently and with minimal ambiguity.
Legal considerations when separating from a de facto partner
De facto relationship matters often involve blurred financial boundaries. Joint investments, shared liabilities and informal arrangements can quickly complicate separation.
Our team provides strategic guidance on:
- Asset protection before or after separation.
- Disclosure obligations and financial documentation.
- Valuation and division of shared business interests
- Parenting orders, if children are involved
Getting advice at this stage helps clarify your position and limit uncertainty. It ensures decisions are based on facts, not assumptions.
Get ahead of issues before they escalate
If you are entering or exiting a de facto relationship and want clarity on your legal standing, get advice early. Time, documentation and preparation can all influence the options available to you. Taking early action gives you more control. Structuring agreements and managing shared assets with legal oversight reduces risk and avoids drawn-out disputes. Mapping out a strategy before you make major decisions helps you avoid errors and unnecessary complications.
Protect your assets. Control the outcome.
Leach Legal assists Perth-based clients with clear, commercially focused advice on de facto relationship matters. Whether you are looking to formalise arrangements or protect your position after separation, our team delivers results-focused legal support.
Contact us today to book a confidential consultation and understand your next steps.
