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De Facto Relationship Lawyers in Caloundra

Legal Help After a De Facto Separation

If a de facto relationship ends, property and financial matters can become one of the most important issues to resolve.

Ferrall & Co. Lawyers assists de facto couples with property settlements in Queensland, including matters involving:

  • houses and investment properties
  • savings and bank accounts
  • superannuation
  • businesses and company interests
  • vehicles and personal property
  • loans, mortgages and other debts
  • financial contributions made during the relationship

How We Can Help With De Facto Relationship Matters

Ferrall & Co. Lawyers assists de facto couples with property settlements in Queensland.

A de facto property settlement does not automatically mean assets are divided equally. The outcome depends on the circumstances of the relationship, the property and liabilities involved, contributions made by each party and other relevant factors.

  • Advice about whether a relationship may be recognised as de facto
  • Property settlement after a de facto separation
  • Superannuation and other financial interests
  • Financial agreements for de facto couples
  • Parenting matters following separation
  • Disputes about whether a de facto relationship existed
  • Time limits that may apply after separation
  • Negotiation and court proceedings where required

Looking for information about formally registering a relationship in Queensland? Read our guide to registering a de facto relationship in Queensland.

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Our team is well-versed in the challenges you may encounter, and we strive to make the legal process as transparent and uncomplicated as possible. We prioritise your confidence and peace of mind and ensure that you’re informed every step of the way.

We aim to protect your interests and deliver the best possible outcomes for you. You can rely on us to handle your case with great care and professionalism, giving you the support you need to move forward confidently.

How a De Facto Relationship Lawyer Can Help

A de facto separation can involve more than simply deciding who keeps particular assets. Questions can arise about whether the relationship is legally recognised, what property should be included in a settlement, superannuation, financial support and arrangements for children.

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Why Choose Ferrall and Co. Lawyers?

Ferrall & Co assists clients with de facto relationship matters involving property, finances, parenting and separation. Our focus is on clear advice, practical options and helping you understand what needs to happen next.

De Facto and Family Law Experience

Our team assists with de facto separation, property settlement, parenting matters and related family law issues.

 

Clear Advice

We explain the legal issues in straightforward language and help you understand your options before decisions are made.

Practical Resolution

Where possible, we aim to resolve matters through negotiation and agreement while protecting your legal position.

Local Support

Ferrall & Co is based in Caloundra and assists clients across the Sunshine Coast.

 

Our Partnerships

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Meet Rowena Ferrall

After completing a Bachelor of Laws at James Cook University in Townsville in 2002, Rowena completed her initial legal training at the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Legal Service (ATSILS) in Townsville. She then finalised her Post Graduate Diploma through the Australian National University in Canberra in 2004, the same year she qualified to practice as a solicitor.

Rowena is admitted to practice in Queensland and in the High Court of Australia, allowing her to appear in all Courts in Queensland as well as Federally based Courts across the country.

Rowena has worked in Townsville, the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane in general litigation since her admission in 2004. After working as a generalist for several years, Rowena decided that she could best serve her community by opening her own boutique legal practice with a relaxed approach to client consultations, a manageable fee structure, as well as incorporating two furry friends who provide additional support for clients when in need.

Rowena advises clients on de facto separation, property settlement and related family law matters.

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Do you need help with de facto cases in Caloundra?

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Ferrall & Co’s Caloundra lawyers regularly advise de facto couples on their legal rights.

If you need honest advice and guidance throughout your legal process, please contact our de facto relationship lawyers Caloundra for a free assessment of your matter.

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De Facto Relationships

Frequently Asked Questions

Under Australian family law, a de facto relationship generally involves two people who are not married or related by family and who live together as a couple on a genuine domestic basis. Factors such as the length of the relationship, living arrangements, finances, property, children and commitment to a shared life may also be considered.

Resolving your property settlement by consent can be both a fast and cost-effective way of finalising your financial relationship with your de facto partner. We offer fixed fee initial consultations for these types of matters and often offer fixed fee agreements throughout property settlements.

By working with a local lawyer, such as Ferrall & Co. Lawyers, you can benefit from our knowledge of local laws and court procedures, improving your case management’s efficiency and effectiveness.

Property settlement for de facto couples can involve real estate, savings, superannuation, debts, businesses and other financial interests. The outcome depends on the circumstances of the relationship and the parties.

In many cases, an application for property settlement following the breakdown of a de facto relationship must be made within two years of separation. Legal advice should be sought if that period is approaching or has already passed.

Whether a de facto relationship existed can depend on a range of factors, including the length of the relationship, living arrangements, finances, mutual commitment and whether there are children. A lawyer can help assess what evidence may be relevant.

De facto couples can have rights and obligations under the Family Law Act, but the exact position depends on whether the relationship meets the legal requirements and the circumstances of the matter.

  • Property settlements – De facto couples need to apply to the Court within two years of separation. If the two years has passed and if they have a good reason for missing it, they can apply to the Court to extend the time frame.
  • Parenting matters – There is no limitation period.

Yes. Parenting issues following a de facto separation are dealt with under the same parenting framework that applies to separated parents generally.

Under Australian family law, a de facto relationship generally involves two people who are not legally married to each other, are not related by family and are living together as a couple on a genuine domestic basis.

Whether a relationship legally qualifies as de facto depends on the circumstances rather than one single test.

Factors that may be considered include:

  • how long the relationship lasted
  • the nature of the couple’s living arrangements
  • whether a sexual relationship existed
  • financial dependence or interdependence
  • ownership and use of property
  • commitment to a shared life
  • whether the relationship was registered
  • the care and support of children
  • how the relationship was presented publicly

No single factor necessarily determines whether a de facto relationship existed.

This can become particularly important after separation where property settlement, financial support or another family law issue depends on whether the relationship is legally recognised.

You do not necessarily need to attend our Caloundra office to get advice about a de facto relationship.

Ferrall & Co. can assist clients with de facto relationship matters by phone or online consultation, making it possible to obtain legal advice from elsewhere on the Sunshine Coast or Queensland.

During a consultation, we can discuss issues such as:

  • whether your relationship may legally qualify as de facto
  • property settlement after separation
  • superannuation and financial interests
  • parenting arrangements
  • financial agreements
  • disputes about whether a de facto relationship existed
  • time limits that may apply after separation

Contact Ferrall & Co. to arrange a consultation and discuss which appointment option is suitable for you.

Yes. Ferrall & Co. Lawyers assists de facto couples with property settlement matters involving real estate, savings, superannuation, businesses, debts and other financial interests. We can assist with negotiation, financial disclosure, documenting an agreement and Court proceedings where required.

If your matter is suitable for a remote consultation, Ferrall & Co. can provide advice by phone or online consultation. This can allow clients outside Caloundra to obtain advice about de facto property settlements, relationship status and other family law issues.

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