When homeowners separate and divorce, the division of real estate assets can become a complex issue. The Family Law Act makes certain provisions but, naturally, there are many variables that Family Courts must assess.
In general, a Family Court may make a judgement when:
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The divorce applicant/s have made substantial financial, non-financial or homemaker/parent contributions
There has been a de facto relationship between the parties for at least two years
There is a child of the de facto relationship
The person caring for a child of the relationship (under the age of 18) could suffer an injustice
One of the applicants who has made substantial financial, non-financial or homemaker/parent contributions could suffer a serious injustice
The de facto relationship has been registered in a State or Territory with applicable laws
There is no set rule as to who has to move out of the home when a couple separates, especially if the house is jointly owned. Often this can be mutually decided by both parties and is usually influenced by factors such as if there are any children living in the house, who the primary caregiver of the children is and the reason for separation.
Separation does not necessarily mean one party must move out, and sometimes if neither party wishes to leave, both parties may remain in the property until the property settlement. In the event of an intervention order being issued, sometimes the Court can order the sole use or occupation of the family home, however this extremely rare.
There is a four stage process followed by the Family Court:
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Identification of the couple’s assets and liabilities
Assessment of the financial, non-financial or homemaker/parent contributions made by each person
Consideration of contribution based entitlements, based on future needs
Assessment of whether the Family Law Court’s orders are equitable and just
In certain circumstances, the Family Law Court may make orders for couples living in different properties that are separating.
Ultimately, when couples separate it is not as simple as dividing the assets in two and there is no automatic solution. There’s also no universally consistent approach taken by the Family Law Court. It must make each assessment on an individual basis, looking at all the financial and non-financial contributions made by each party, the welfare of any children involved, and develop a balanced, just conclusion.
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