My partner has moved in – does this mean they are entitled to any of my stuff if things go wrong?

Matters in relation to a de facto couple advice and relationships are dealt with in the Family Court of Australia. The legislation for de facto relationships is in most circumstances the same as that for a married couple. A genuine de facto relationships has all the hallmarks and characteristics of marriage apart from a marriage certificate.

What if a couple maintains separate residences but is often together staying at either one house or the other or interchanging between the two?  What if they are constantly together socialising with friends, associates and attending functions and outings together.  Yes in such circumstances their relationship may be deemed a de facto relationship with all the ramifications arising there from.

This can create difficulties in relation to the legislation to determine if the couple is residing together on a genuine domestic basis or if the relationship is more of a casual relationship such as boyfriend/girlfriend which does not come under the guidelines of a de facto relationship.

There is no set formula for determining if a relationship is a de facto relationship and the circumstances of each individual couple should be examined before this can be decided.

If you think you might be in a de facto relationship then it may be sensible to seek advice on whether you should protect your assets.