5 myths about de facto relationships in Australia – Debunked!

Think you know everything about de facto relationships? Think again! There’s a lot of misinformation out there, and believing the wrong thing could leave you in a legal pickle. Whether you’re in a long-term partnership or just curious, it’s essential to separate fact from fiction.

In this post, we’ll bust some of the most common myths and help you understand your rights. And if you ever need expert guidance, de facto lawyers in Melbourne are here to help!

Key takeaways

You don’t always need to live together for two years to be considered de facto.
De facto couples have almost identical property, finances, and parenting rights to married couples.
Superannuation can be split between de facto partners.
A Binding Financial Agreement can help avoid financial disputes.
Sometimes, proving you’re in a de facto relationship is crucial – especially for legal matters.

Myth #1: “You have to live together for two years to be considered de facto”

This is one of the biggest misconceptions. While the two-year rule is often cited, the law considers more than time spent living together. Courts look at a range of factors, including:

Financial interdependence (e.g. joint bank accounts, shared expenses)
Whether you have children together
The nature of your commitment and how you present your relationship socially

So, if you’ve been together for less than two years but meet other criteria, you could still be recognised as a de facto couple under Australian law.

Myth #2: “De facto couples don’t have the same rights as married couples”

Wrong! Under the Family Law Act 1975, de facto couples have virtually the same rights as married couples when it comes to property settlements, spousal maintenance and parenting arrangements.

If a de facto relationship breaks down, partners can apply for a property settlement or even spousal maintenance – just like a married couple. The law treats you almost the same (except you don’t get a wedding cake and fancy honeymoon, unfortunately!).

“In the eyes of the law, a committed de facto relationship isn’t just ‘dating on steroids’ – it comes with real responsibilities.”

Myth #3: “There’s no need for a binding financial agreement”

Many people assume that, because they’re not married, they don’t need to worry about legal agreements. But here’s the thing – without a Binding Financial Agreement (BFA), you may end up in a costly legal battle if the relationship ends.

A BFA allows you to outline how assets and finances will be divided if the relationship breaks down. Think of it as an insurance policy – you hope you’ll never need it, but you’ll be relieved to have it if things go south.

Myth #4: “Superannuation can’t be split between de facto partners”

Yes, it can! Many people assume superannuation is off-limits, but Australian law allows superannuation splitting for de facto couples during a property settlement.

If one partner has significantly more super than the other, a court can order that it be divided fairly. This will not give you instant cash (super remains locked away until retirement), but it will ensure that both partners get a fair share of long-term financial security.

Myth #5: “There’s no need to prove the relationship”

If you ever need to claim Centrelink benefits, apply for a partner visa or settle a legal dispute, you may require proof of your de facto status.

Common ways to prove a de facto relationship:

Joint financial accounts or shared expenses
Property ownership or rental agreements
Evidence of a shared household (bills, post sent to the same address)
Statements from friends, family or employers confirming your relationship
Photos, travel records or messages showing a committed relationship

So, while you don’t need to carry around a scrapbook of your love story, having some evidence on hand can be helpful in legal situations.

Conclusion

De facto relationships in Australia come with legal rights and responsibilities, just like marriage – but the myths surrounding them can cause confusion. Whether you’re already in a de facto relationship or considering the legal implications, having the correct information is crucial.

If you need expert advice on your rights, Testart Family Lawyers can confidently help you navigate your de facto relationship concerns.

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Hosting the perfect garden party: Tips for outdoor entertaining

Few things are as impressive and appealing as a garden party on a warm, sunny day. Imagine spending an evening with your friends surrounded by nature and greenery with a cool breeze whistling through the trees. It’s relaxing and the perfect scene for connecting and sharing stories with your family and friends.

But a garden gathering isn’t any easier to host than an indoor party. If you want to impress your guests, you’ll need to do more than just set up a few chairs and set out some nibbles. Below are a few tips for making your garden party elegant and memorable.

Consider an outdoor venue alternative

The first thing you should do is make sure your garden has enough space for all your guests. Having your attendees crammed together with little elbow room will make the atmosphere less comfortable or enjoyable.

One way you can avoid this is to hire a garden. You can find lots of outdoor venues London, allowing you to host as many people as you like. Hosting your party at an outdoor venue gives a refreshing change of scenery, making the event feel even more special.

Another benefit of hiring a garden for your party is that it removes a lot of your logistical headache. If your home garden’s landscaping isn’t quite party-ready, you can simply book a place that matches your taste. Plus, most outdoor venues provide seating, lighting and even catering, allowing you to focus on your guests.

Setting the scene

You don’t need to turn your back garden into the impossibly picturesque gardens you see on Pinterest or in magazine spreads. Simply select a theme and let nature do the rest. Some popular garden party themes include vintage tea party, tropical and minimalist.

If your garden is more slab than green, a few well-placed potted plants, outdoor rugs and string lights can transform the place.

Create a comfortable sitting area

Ensuring ample seating keeps guests comfortable and engaged. Make sure there are enough chairs for everyone. If your crowd is laid-back, you can provide floor cushions for a relaxed, boho feel.

But all this will only work if you choose your seating area carefully. If it’s sunny, you want your main gathering area to have some natural shade from trees to keep your guests cool. If there isn’t enough shade, you can hire a marquee.

Focus on the table setting

Setting the table can tell your guests that your garden party is well-thought-out. It helps set the tone for the evening, making dining more enjoyable. Additionally, it can improve the aesthetics of your space.

If your party is more casual, like a backyard BBQ, you don’t need a formal tablescape. Still, you can add a few small centrepieces to add charm without going overboard.

Keep the party food simple

Finger foods are your best choice for garden parties. You want something people can grab while mingling. Think mini sliders, Parmesan truffle chips and fresh fruit. If everything can be eaten with one hand while holding a drink in the other, then you’re doing it right.

Speaking of drinks, a self-serve bar is your best friend. Set up a table with a few signature cocktails, mocktails and punches. Not only does this keep guests happy, but it also means you’re not playing bartender all night.

Remember to keep it simple and focus on the vibe. Hosting the perfect garden party isn’t about perfection, but more about creating a night that people will remember for all the right reasons.

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4 home extensions that could seriously change your life

There’s something about home extensions that feels like levelling up. One minute, it’s squeezing around a tiny kitchen table or hunting for somewhere to store winter coats. The next, it’s breezing into a sunlit room like you’ve just walked into a lifestyle magazine. Certainly, home extensions can be pricey, and yeah, there’s a lot that needs to be considered too. But overall, home extensions can be life-changing if you think about it.

Home extensions aren’t just about extra bricks; they’re about creating the kind of home that makes life easier, and yes, turns a few heads when friends pop around.

1. Conservatories

A conservatory has a certain vibe, doesn’t it? It’s where people sip tea, bask in every scrap of sunlight the clouds allow, and feel like they’ve just checked into a countryside retreat. But beyond the calm, it’s a bit of a quiet show-off too. Basically, the neighbours spot one and immediately think, “That’s nice!”

And they’re right. It’s perfect for slow mornings, lazy afternoons or just pretending to be somewhere much fancier than the back garden. Plus, during those brief sunny spells, it’s hands down the best spot in the house.

2. Big chef kitchens

Nothing says “this house is ready for anything” quite like a massive kitchen. It’s the scene of burnt toast disasters, late-night chats and triumphantly pulling off a roast dinner that could feed a rugby team. Besides, those big chef-like kitchens are so dreamy, it’s something you usually find between the pages of Architectural Digest, right?

Just think about it; the magic of a big kitchen is how it brings everyone together. It’s where life happens. You have the sprawling islands, extra storage and space to spin around while cooking like it’s a cooking show, it’s all part of the charm. And when guests arrive, nothing feels cooler than whipping up snacks without shuffling sideways like a crab to reach the oven.

But yeah, in order to get it right (because there is a lot of work that goes into a kitchen), you’ll need experts like Newtech Construction, seriously, this can’t be DIYed, you can’t just choose one contractor to get it done. You need a whole team of experts for this!

3. That extra room that solves life’s problems

How about adding an extra room? Oh yeah, now that’s absolute bliss. It’s like the house suddenly took a deep breath and relaxed. One spare bedroom could mean no more guests sleeping on a saggy sofa. A home office may finally mean video calls without someone walking past in the background wearing only a towel. Or maybe it’s a playroom, hobby space or somewhere to escape when family life gets a bit loud.

Just like the others, that extra space, that extra room, it really is like a status symbol.

4. Walk-in wardrobes

How about something a little over the top? Well, a walk-in wardrobe is pure luxury. It’s stepping into a little world where shirts are neatly hung, shoes are lined up like an art exhibit and accessories finally have their moment. It’s not just about showing off though (although it does a pretty good job of that too!). Furthermore, it makes mornings easier, keeps bedrooms clutter-free and delivers that smug satisfaction every time someone asks, “Do you really have a walk-in?” Yes, yes you do.

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Why oak doors are a smart choice for your home

When you want to make a house a home, it’s all about adding those all-important finishing touches. We’ll be the first to agree with you when you want to stress the importance of getting features and fixtures that match the age of your property. The only problem is that it’s not always as easy as we would like.

Doors that look and feel like they fit into the overall aesthetic of your home on the one hand, while offering privacy and security on the other, can be hard to come by. If you don’t like the idea of fitting overly modern uPVC doors to your property, we have a solution for you.

Let’s look at the inspiring features oak doors provide and see why they’re the smart choice for your home.

Oak doors are highly durable

A beautifully crafted and professionally sealed oak door won’t just last for years – it’ll last for decades. By investing in real quality on day one, you can give your home the perfect finishing touch that could last a lifetime with the right care and attention. Ideal when you want to be able to create special memories alongside a natural material that’s all about combining style and substance.

Oak doors always look the part

The most striking thing about oak doors is that every one of them is truly unique. Warm colours and a vibrant grain structure that ebbs and flows across the surface of the wood combine to create an aesthetic that needs no introduction. Use this natural flourish of style to match a wide array of different interior design styles, and you’ll be onto something special before you know it.

Want a few extra sparks of inspiration to get you started? No problem! Having a look at a premium supplier such as ukoakdoors.co.uk will introduce you to a whole host of different panel designs, one of which is sure to catch your eye.

Energy efficiency is never an issue

Oak doors will keep you cool in the summer and when winter comes around, they’ll keep you warm by beating those troublesome draughts. By making the best use of your heating, you can make your monthly budget go a little bit further. Add up all these little savings over the many happy years you’re going to have in your home, and you’ll have a healthy pot you can use to add some other natural touches of style.

Oak doors resist all types of warping

Warping and shrinking are costly headaches that many homeowners find themselves coming up against at some point in their property journey. The great thing about investing in quality oak doors is that they have no interest in taking in moisture from the air and losing their shape. Perfect when you want a new fixture that you can always rely upon.

Maintenance is kept to a minimum

Oak doors require minimal upkeep during their lifetime, and it’s a lifetime that can extend to decades. Wiping down the door with a gentle wood cleaner and a soft cloth is all it takes to keep your new investment looking as good as new for years and years. You may also want to consider using a water-resistant finish to give the oak underneath an extra helping hand.

External oak doors can withstand the weather

When the weather takes a turn for the worse, an oak door is always up to the job. For centuries, oak was the wood of choice for making ships that used to sail across the world, so it’s no wonder it’s a material that has no problem adding a robust finishing touch to your home.

Security is sorted

Oak is a hardwood material that has a compact, sturdy and robust internal structure. A mighty oak takes a lot of hard work to chop down, so it’s little wonder that a would-be intruder will be instantly deterred by the presence of an oak door. Just what you want to hear when you’re looking for a stylish addition to your home that will also provide plenty of peace of mind.

Wood is an eco-friendly material

Last, but by no means least, oak offers an eco-friendly alternative to all of those synthetic uPVC doors and windows you can probably see on houses on the rest of the street. While the final choice is always up to you, there’s a lot to be said for a material that’s stylish, practical and has a far smaller impact on the environment.

Now that you’ve heard what we have to say, it’s over to you to treat your home to something truly special. Enjoy!

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