The 7 steps to keeping your home after separation
Linda Hackney
15 January, 2021
“I have separated from my partner. I want to keep our jointly owned home and pay out my ex partner.
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Who Gets to Stay in the Family Home After Separation?
Technically, the person who is legally entitled to the home is the home owner or the tenant on the Residential Tenancy Agreement. If both parties are jointly entitled to the home, then both parties are legally entitled to stay in the property after separation.
Both parties may then choose to live in the property together and be “separated under the one roof”. However, this arrangement can be difficult and stressful, so one person will generally live in the home alone, by agreement or by obtaining a Court order for exclusive occupation of the home.
Who Pays for What Expenses After Separation?
Legally each person has to continue to pay the debts in their name (including one-half of joint debts) until there is agreement or Court Order changing this. It is, however, not uncommon for one party to refuse pay their half of joint debts to put pressure on the other party to pay them, or risk default.
If you are unable to meet your reasonable needs, you should seek advice in relation to making an Application for Spousal Maintenance.
If there is any dispute about Child Support, an application should be made to the Child Support Agency for an assessment of Child Support required to be paid by one parent to the other.
How Long Do I Need to Wait to Apply For:
- Divorce – 12 months and one day after separation.
- Parenting Orders – immediately after separation, though keep in mind that unless you are exempt, there is an obligation on parents to attempt to participate in Mediation prior to bringing an application to the Court.
- Property Division – immediately after separation.
- Spousal Maintenance – immediately after separation.
- Child Support and Centrelink – immediately after separation.
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- A once-off fixed fee initial consultation to get you started in Family Law,
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Our Family Lawyers will discuss our fees and charges with you and will provide an estimate of the fees and charges likely to arise in your matter.
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