Who gets the house in a divorce in Australia?

If the parties cannot decide how the assets are to be decided, it's left up to the family court to decide. As per the law, there's no strict formula for a divorce settlement in Australia. Contrary to popular perception, there's no 50-50 split rule. It's not that simple since a variety of factors have to be considered.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on justicefamilylawyers.com.au

What is my wife entitled to in a divorce Australia?

In summary, a wife in a divorce settlement in Australia is entitled to a fair and equitable share of the assets and property accumulated during the marriage. This may include a share of the family home, vehicles, savings, and investments, and any superannuation that has been accumulated during the marriage.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on hebblewhitelawyers.com.au

Who gets to stay in the house during separation Australia?

Both you and your spouse are equally entitled to live in the marital home during separation – ownership of the property is not relevant. Anyone can also leave the marital home during separation but no one can be forced to. This means you cannot make your spouse leave and then change the locks.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on divorcehub.com.au

How is a house split in a divorce in Australia?

Most property proceedings result in a division of 55 to 65% in favour of the economically weaker spouse, historically the wife, before payment of legal fees. Nevertheless, the outcome of your property settlement will depend upon your practical circumstances, judicial determination in this field being discretionary.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on pearsonslawyers.com.au

Do I have to sell my house in a divorce Australia?

If your ex-partner refuses to sell the house during your negotiations, you can petition the Family Court to intervene and force the sale of the house as part of a property settlement. In fact, this court process is the only way you can be forced to sell your house during a separation in Australia.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on pulloslawyers.com.au

Australian Divorce Law Explained

37 related questions found

Who pays the mortgage after separation Australia?

Paying the mortgage after separation is a non-negotiable financial obligation that belongs to both parties, equally. While couples may be in flux or experiencing financial strains, the bank does not care and will not make allowances for not paying the mortgage.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on owenhodge.com.au

Does having a new partner affect divorce settlement Australia?

Ultimately, the court employs a high degree of discretion when considering what effect one party cohabitating with a new partner has on the property settlement. It all depends on the circumstances of the particular case.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on armstronglegal.com.au

Is my wife entitled to half my house if it's in my name in Australia?

In Australia, your girlfriend is not automatically entitled to take half of your house. The law requires you to take into consideration any contributions that both of you made to the house, and any future needs either of you may have.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on justicefamilylawyers.com.au

Are assets always split 50 50 in a divorce in Australia?

In Case Of Divorce, Who Gets What, Australia? If the parties cannot decide how the assets are to be decided, it's left up to the family court to decide. As per the law, there's no strict formula for a divorce settlement in Australia. Contrary to popular perception, there's no 50-50 split rule.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on justicefamilylawyers.com.au

What is a GREY divorce in Australia?

What is grey divorce? This is a term coined for persons divorcing in their later years. However, some couples may not have married, but when separating in their later years, may fall under the de facto provisions of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth).

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on australianfamilylawyers.com.au

What not to do during separation?

Things You Should Not Do During Legal Separation
  • Do Not Move Out of Your Family Home. ...
  • Do Not Rush into a New Relationship. ...
  • Do Not Deny Your Partner the Right to Co-Parenting. ...
  • Do Not Involve Your Family Members and Friends in Your Separation Process. ...
  • Do Not Sign Any Documents Without the Consent of Your Lawyer.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on heathbakerlaw.com

Do I have to support my wife during separation Australia?

Where the need exists, both parties have an equal duty to support and maintain each other as far as they can. This obligation can continue even after separation and divorce. The extent of the support depends on what the other party can afford to pay.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on fcfcoa.gov.au

What is a 60 40 split in divorce?

A 60/40 divorce split refers to a property settlement where one party gets 60% of the combined assets, while the other receives 40%. The combined assets of a couple are also known as the 'asset pool.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on movementlegal.com.au

Is my wife entitled to half my super?

Essentially, super is considered as property in the event of a relationship breakdown, so like any other asset it can be divided between partners by agreement or court order. This includes marriage or de facto relationships, both heterosexual or same sex.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on industrysuper.com

What is the Australian divorce rule?

To apply for a divorce, you must have been separated for at least 12 months, and you or your spouse must: be an Australian citizen, or. live in Australia and regard Australia as your permanent home, or. ordinarily live in Australia and have done so for at least 12 months before the divorce application.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on familyrelationships.gov.au

How long does divorce take in Australia?

In Australia, a divorce takes about four months before it is officially granted by the court. This time is calculated using the date you first filed your application in court until the date when a divorce order is issued by the court.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on osullivanlegal.com.au

How is superannuation split in a divorce?

Superannuation can be split either by: an order of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia or Family Court of Western Australia or. a superannuation agreement (a financial agreement that deals with a superannuation interest).

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on ag.gov.au

How long after a divorce can you claim assets Australia?

If you were in a de facto relationship, you must apply within two years of the date of separation. If you do not apply within these time frames, you will need permission from the court to apply for property orders.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on familyrelationships.gov.au

Is inheritance split in divorce Australia?

Inheritance is unfortunately not a protected asset and can be considered a marital asset and part of the overall property pool that needs to be divided upon separation or divorce.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on unifiedlawyers.com.au

Can a defacto take half your house?

Can a de facto take half of the assets? Just like with married couples, there is no starting proposition in the Family Law Act that the property of a de facto couple will be divided equally. A de facto partner can, however, receive an adjustment of 50% of the asset pool, if that is the appropriate outcome.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on ddcslawyers.com.au

How does my ex buy me out of the house?

To buy someone out of a house, you take over their share of the mortgage and the property in exchange for the equity you've agreed. The legal process is called a transfer of equity.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on tembomoney.com

What is considered marital property in Australia?

Rather, matrimonial property includes all assets, liabilities, superannuation and financial resources that the parties have an interest in under joint names, their respective sole names and, in certain cases, via corporate entities and trusts, whether those interests exist in Australia and/or overseas.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on landers.com.au

Does adultery affect divorce in Australia?

Does infidelity affect divorce? As the Australian divorce system is a no-fault system, for the most part, infidelity does not have a legal impact on divorce in Australia.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on unifiedlawyers.com.au

How do I protect myself financially from my spouse?

Here are six things you can do to prepare:
  1. Hire an experienced divorce attorney. Ideally, this person will emphasize mediation or collaborative divorce over litigation. ...
  2. Open accounts in your name only. ...
  3. Sort out mortgage and rent payments. ...
  4. Be prepared to share retirement accounts.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on aarp.org

Can I date while separated before divorce Australia?

Make sure that your relationship is over before you date

Just because you have started divorce proceedings does not mean that you have cut emotional ties with your ex. If you harbour any hope of a reconciliation you are not ready to start dating. You should not date because your ex has moved on and is dating.

Takedown request   |   View complete answer on aussiedivorce.com.au