Just separated? Start here.

De facto couples have real property rights. Under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), an eligible de facto partner can apply for a property settlement in much the same way as a married spouse, with the court deciding what is just and equitable under section 90SM. The catch is the clock: you have 2 years from the date of separation to apply. After that you generally need the court's permission to proceed out of time, which is why recording your separation date in writing is the first item on this list.

Money is usually the most urgent practical piece. Open an account in your own name, redirect your pay, and deal with joint accounts together where you can. Be careful with shared borrowing: lenders are not bound by family-court orders, so a joint loan stays the responsibility of both of you until it is refinanced or paid out, whatever a settlement says about who keeps the debt.

Some things do not update themselves when you separate. Tell Services Australia your relationship status has changed, sort your Medicare card, and review your will and any powers of attorney, because separation alone does not cancel them. Check your superannuation death-benefit nomination too, as your former partner may still be the named beneficiary. Remember that super itself counts as property under family law and can be divided by a splitting order or a superannuation agreement.

When you are ready for the settlement itself, start by listing every asset and debt in either name or joint names as at separation, then get appraisals for the big items. Most couples reach agreement without a courtroom and formalise it through consent orders or a binding financial agreement. Transfers made under those documents are generally exempt from transfer (stamp) duty in most states, which is one more reason to do it properly rather than informally.