Property Settlement

A property settlement can be finalised in one of a few ways. You can come to your own agreement or arrangement or, if you can’t agree, a court can decide for you.

If you think that you and your former partner can come to an agreement on how you will divide assets and finances, then you can negotiate directly between yourselves, attend a dispute resolution service, or use lawyers to negotiate for you.

Once you have an agreement you should apply to the court for consent orders.  A consent order will be made once the court makes sure that the proposed order is ‘just and equitable’ (that is, it is fair to both parties).

Once formalised, the consent orders are legally binding which means if one party does not comply, they have breached the order. If you need to, you can apply to the court for an order to be enforced.

If you and your former partner are unable to agree, you can apply to the court for the court to make the orders for you.

When you separate, it’s important to get legal advice about your rights, and to get an idea of what the law says would be a fair division of your property.

If you get a divorce, you have 12 months from the date of the divorce to apply to the Court for property orders. If you are in a de facto relationship, you must apply for property orders within 2 years of the date of your separation.

Differences between states

Northern Territory

For advice on property division, you can contact the Central Australian Women’s Legal Service on 1800 684 055.

Depending on where you live, alternatively you could contact the Katherine Women’s Information and Legal Service on 08 8972 1712 or 1800 620 108 or the Top End Women’s Legal Service on 08 8982 3000 or 1800 234 441.

You can also contact the Northern Territory Legal Aid Commission on 1800 019 343.

Alternatively you may want to contact a private lawyer.

ACT

For advice on property division, you can contact Women’s Legal Centre ACT, Legal Aid or a private lawyer.

Western Australia

Unfortunately there is very little free or low cost assistance for advice in this area.  The Family Court of WAwebsite has general information as well as Court forms you may need.

You may need to seek advice from a private lawyer. There is a list of family law practitioners in WA located at the Family Law Practitioners Association of Western Australia or you can contact the Law Society of Western Australia.

NSW

Victoria

For advice on property division after separation, you can contact Women’s Legal Service Victoria or Victoria Legal Aid.

Alternatively you may wish to contact a private lawyer that deals with family law property matters.

South Australia

For advice on property division after separation, you can contact Women’s Legal Service South Australia on 08 8221 5553 or 1800 670 864.

Tasmania

For advice on property division after separation, you can contact Women’s Legal Service South Australia on 08 8221 5553 or 1800 670 864.

Queensland

For advice on property division, you can contact Women’s Legal Service Queensland, Legal Aid or a private lawyer.