Do you offer a free 15-minute consultation?

Yes. Wallen Family Law offers a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation so you can outline your situation, get initial guidance and understand next steps before formally engaging the firm.

Do you take Legal Aid matters?

Yes. Wallen Family Law is an accredited Legal Aid NSW panel firm and can assist eligible clients with parenting, property and family violence matters.

Do you have fixed-fee family law services?

Yes. The firm publishes clear, fixed-fee options for matters such as divorce applications, consent orders and some agreements so you know your costs upfront.

Can you help if I can’t pay legal fees right now?

Yes. The firm partners with JustFund to offer legal funding for family law matters so you can progress your case now and repay from your property settlement later, subject to eligibility.

Where are your offices?

Wallen Family Law meets clients in South Sydney (Kogarah), the Northern Beaches (Warriewood) and The Hills District (Norwest). The team also assists clients across NSW online and by phone.

De Facto Relationships

Couples in a de facto relationship have many of the same rights and obligations as those who are married. Wallen Family Law assists clients across Sydney and the Northern Beaches, including Greater South Sydney and Wollongong, to understand how separation may affect property, superannuation, financial resources and parenting arrangements.

Our family lawyers provide clear advice on time limits, entitlements and the available options for formalising agreements through Consent Orders or Binding Financial Agreements. With our fixed-fee services available for many matters, you can move forward with clarity and confidence about legal costs while planning your next steps.

How We Can Help

Wallen Family Law supports clients across Sydney and the Northern Beaches, including Greater South Sydney and Wollongong, with clear advice and considered representation in de facto relationship matters, including

The Family Law Act recognises a de facto relationship where two people live together on a genuine domestic basis, even if they are not married. Factors include the length of the relationship, financial interdependence, property ownership, and whether you have children together. We advise you on whether your circumstances meet this definition.
De facto partners are entitled to seek property settlements in much the same way as married couples. This can include dividing assets, businesses, superannuation, and liabilities. We help you negotiate fair settlements or represent you in court where necessary.
If one partner cannot adequately support themselves and the other has the capacity to provide support, spousal maintenance may be payable. We advise on eligibility, negotiate fair arrangements, and act for you in court if required.
Applications for property settlement or spousal maintenance must generally be made within two years of the date of separation. We provide strategic advice to help you act within time and protect your rights.
When children are involved, the law treats de facto parents the same as married parents. We assist with parenting plans, consent orders, and resolving disputes to ensure children’s best interests remain the priority.

Common Questions De Facto Relationships

Generally, you must have lived together for at least two years. However, shorter relationships may still qualify if you have a child together, made substantial contributions or other relevant factors.
Yes. De facto couples can apply to the Family Court for property and financial settlements in the same way as married couples.
Yes. The law allows spousal maintenance claims for de facto partners where one cannot reasonably support themselves and the other has the capacity to pay.
You usually have two years from the date of separation to file an application for property settlement or spousal maintenance.

Next Steps

If your de facto relationship has broken down, it’s important to understand your rights early. We provide straightforward advice, fixed fee options for certain matters, and strong representation when needed.