A de-facto relationship, generally, is having lived together on a genuine domestic basis for a period of at least two years.

There are other factors that that may place you in a de-facto relationship. De-facto couples have 2 years from the date of separation to apply to the Court for a property settlement.

It is important to receive accurate legal advice at the beginning of your separation journey from a family law specialist to ensure you are aware if

(a) your relationship falls into this category of de-facto; and/or
(b) to ensure that you are not out of time in filing for a property settlement.