Stanmore De Facto Relationship Lawyers

You Built a Life Together Without a Marriage Certificate. Do You Know How the Law Treats It If It Ends?

FletchLaw, Stanmore de facto relationship lawyers, provides clear, experienced guidance to protect your entitlements when a de facto relationship breaks down — because your relationship was just as real as any marriage.

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4.9 Are You Facing Any of These Common De Facto Relationship Concerns?

We weren't married — do I actually have any legal rights to our property?

Many de facto partners are genuinely surprised to learn that under the Family Law Act, they have the same rights to a property settlement as married couples — provided the relationship meets certain criteria. Not knowing this can be enormously costly. We’ll tell you exactly where you stand from your very first conversation with us.

How do I prove we were actually in a de facto relationship?

Without a marriage certificate, establishing that a de facto relationship existed — and for how long — can become a contested issue, particularly if your ex disputes it. Knowing what evidence matters and how to present it effectively is something we deal with every day, and we’ll guide you through it clearly.

We lived together for years but my name isn't on the mortgage — am I entitled to anything?

The fact that your name isn’t on the title doesn’t necessarily mean you have no claim. The Family Court recognises both financial and non-financial contributions — including homemaking, child-rearing, and supporting your partner’s career. All of these can form the basis of a significant property entitlement, and we’ll help you understand exactly what yours looks like.

Is there a time limit on making a de facto property claim?

Yes — and it’s one of the most commonly missed deadlines in family law. De facto partners have just two years from the date of separation to apply for a property settlement through the courts. Missing that window can mean losing your entitlements entirely. Getting advice promptly after separation is one of the most important things you can do.

My partner and I have children together — how does that affect our de facto rights?

The existence of children is one of the key factors the court considers when determining whether a de facto relationship existed and what a fair settlement looks like. It can significantly strengthen your position — and it means the stakes for getting the right legal advice are even higher.

My partner owned significantly more than I did when we got together — will that affect my entitlements?

Initial contributions — including assets brought into the relationship — are taken into account by the court, but so is everything that happened during the relationship. Length of relationship, financial and non-financial contributions, future needs, and the care of children all play a role. The full picture is always more complex than the starting point, and we’ll help you understand all of it.

Meet Simon Fletcher

De facto relationships can be just as long, just as significant, and just as financially intertwined as any marriage. When they end, the legal consequences can be just as serious — and just as important to get right.

Simon Fletcher and the FletchLaw team have guided Stanmore clients through de facto separations for years — clarifying entitlements, negotiating fair settlements, and making sure nothing important is missed simply because there was no marriage certificate.

Your first conversation with us costs nothing. No obligation, no pressure — just honest advice about your rights and a clear path forward.

Book your free telephone consultation now.

How We Can Help You Through Your De Facto Separation

We'll confirm whether your relationship qualifies as a de facto relationship under the Family Law Act — and explain what that means for your rights and entitlements.

We'll give you a clear, honest assessment of your property entitlements before any negotiation begins, so you know exactly what a fair outcome looks like for your situation.

We'll make sure you don't miss the two-year time limit for bringing a de facto property claim — one of the most commonly missed and most consequential deadlines in family law.

We'll identify and document all relevant contributions — financial and non-financial — to build the strongest possible picture of your entitlements.

We'll advise on whether a binding financial agreement is appropriate for your circumstances — whether you're separating, already separated, or planning ahead before moving in together.

We'll ensure your superannuation is properly identified, valued, and included in any settlement — it's frequently overlooked in de facto matters and can represent a significant asset.

We'll address any contested issues around whether the de facto relationship existed, how long it lasted, and what contributions were made — gathering the evidence needed to support your position.

We'll negotiate firmly on your behalf, aiming to reach a fair agreement without court proceedings wherever possible.

We'll represent you in the Family Court if your matter cannot be resolved by agreement, with the same focus and determination we bring to every case we handle.

The 3 Step FletchLaw Process

Book Your Free, No-Obligation Consultation

Call us today and speak directly with an experienced family lawyer who will listen to your situation, answer your questions, and help you understand your rights as a de facto partner. There's no pressure, no cost, and no commitment — just honest advice about the best path forward for your circumstances.

We Handle Everything While You Focus on Your Children

Once you decide to work with us, we take care of all the legal complexity — from gathering evidence of the relationship and negotiating with your ex's lawyer to protecting your interests and working toward a settlement that reflects your true entitlements.

Move Forward with Confidence and Financial Clarity

With your de facto property settlement properly resolved, you can close this chapter and start building your future. You'll have certainty about your assets, clarity about your obligations, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing your entitlements were properly protected.

Take the First Step — Book Your Free Consultation Now.

Our free consultations are relaxed, confidential conversations designed to help you understand your options — at your own pace, with no commitment required. Here’s what you can expect:

A warm, judgment-free conversation — A safe space to share your situation openly, get your questions answered, and feel heard without any pressure to proceed.
Clarity on whether you qualify — A clear explanation of whether your relationship meets the legal definition of a de facto relationship and what rights flow from that.
An honest overview of your entitlements — A straightforward assessment of your likely property entitlements and what a fair outcome might look like for your situation.
Practical, personalised guidance — Thoughtful advice tailored to your unique circumstances, helping you make confident decisions about your next step.
The space to ask anything — Whether it’s about property, superannuation, children, time limits, or binding financial agreements, this is your chance to get real answers from an experienced family lawyer.

Ready to take the first step? Call us today to book your free consultation — we're here to help.

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What to Expect When You Work with FletchLaw

Free initial consultation with no obligation

You can meet us, ask questions, and get a feel for whether we’re the right fit without spending a penny or committing to anything.

Transparent billing with detailed invoices

Every charge is clearly explained so you always know what you’re paying for and why — no surprises.

Over 20 years specialising in family law

We’ve handled de facto matters of every kind and complexity — from straightforward property settlements to contested disputes over whether a relationship existed at all.

Local Stanmore-based firm who understands the Inner West community

We’re not some big impersonal city firm — we’re your neighbours, and we understand the families and lives of the people we serve.

Direct access to your solicitor, not just paralegals or assistants

You’ll work directly with an experienced lawyer who knows your matter inside and out — not a different face every time you call.

Plain English explanations at every step

No confusing legal jargon — we explain everything clearly so you always understand what’s happening and why.

Flexible meeting options: office, phone, video, or after-hours appointments

We work around your schedule, not the other way around — because life doesn’t stop while legal matters are being resolved.

Clear strategy session in your first meeting.

We’ll map out realistic options and likely outcomes so you know exactly what to expect before you commit to anything.

References available from past clients

Hear directly from people who’ve been through this with us and came out the other side with outcomes they’re genuinely satisfied with.

Collaborative approach focused on resolution, not unnecessary conflict

We fight hard when the situation demands it — but we always look for smart, efficient solutions that protect you without prolonging the process.

Serving the Stanmore & Inner West Community

At FletchLaw, we aren’t just legal practitioners — we are part of the local fabric. We believe that providing the best family law support requires a deep understanding of the community our clients call home. From our offices on Parramatta Road in the heart of Stanmore, we provide accessible, compassionate, and expert legal counsel to local families.

Other FletchLaw Services in Stanmore

Ready to Take the First Step?

Book your free, no-obligation consultation today and get the clarity and expert support you need to protect your de facto rights — and everything you’ve worked hard to build.