Which law applies?

How property is divided can depend on what type of relationship you were in and when the relationship ended.

If you were married and you cannot agree on how to divide your property, you will need to apply to either the Family Court or the Federal Circuit Court and the property will be divided according to the Family Law Act.  If you are in Western Australia, you will apply to the Family Court of Western Australia.

If you were in a de facto relationship and you cannot agree on how to divide your property, you will also need to apply to either the Family Court or the Federal Circuit Court and the property will be divided according to the Family Law Act.  If you are in Western Australia, you will apply to the Family Court of Western Australia.

(If your de facto relationship ended before 1 March 2009 you should seek legal advice as the law is different).

When working out how to divide property, the law looks at everything the couple owns and earns (including superannuation and debts), and divides these according to what it considers to be fair. (In Western Australia, superannuation is not split between de facto couples).

In Australia, the law does not look at why the parties have separated or whose fault it is. Dividing property is not about who is right or who is wrong.

Family violence (also known as domestic violence) within the relationship can affect the way the law works. It is important to let your lawyer know if you have experienced, or are experiencing, family violence.

Differences between states

Northern Territory

If you have a query or need more advice, please contact the Central Australian Women’s Legal Service on 08 8952 4055 or 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.

ACT

If you have a query or need more advice, contact Women’s Legal Centre ACT.

Western Australia

If you have a query or need more advice, contact Women’s Law Centre WA.

NSW

If you have a query or need more advice, you can contact Women’s Legal Service NSW or the South West Sydney Legal Centre.

Victoria

If you have a query or need more advice, contact Women’s Legal Service Victoria.

South Australia

If you have a query or need more advice, contact Women’s Legal Service South Australia.

Tasmania

If you have a query or need more advice, contact Women’s Legal Service Tasmania.

Queensland

If you have a query or need more advice, contact Women’s Legal Service Queensland.