Your protections

Breakdown of a de facto union

If you and your spouse are in a de facto union, the rules on family patrimony do not apply. As a result, you have no obligation to divide your property into two equal shares if you decide to separate.

However, you can ensure that your property will be divided fairly by setting out the rules in a cohabitation agreement or separation agreement.

Cohabitation agreement
Family residence

For more information

Death

If you are in a de facto union and your spouse dies, you will not be legally recognized as your spouse’s heir. The same applies, in reverse, if you die.

However, you and your spouse can take certain steps to protect the surviving spouse, for example by making a will or taking out life insurance.