Approaching any marriage lawyer when filing an application for a divorce order can be daunting and overshadowed by emotion. The breakdown of any relationship brings uncertainty and stress. It is important to consider any legal requirements that may apply when finalizing the arrangements for children and/or distributing assets. A marriage lawyer will consider the Family Law Act 1975 which provides time limitations for the bringing of property claims.
In the recent decision of Welland & Hawthorn [2021] FedFamC1A, the Full Court heard an appeal from the dismissal of an application for leave which sought to bring property settlement proceedings out of time. In determining the duration of the parties’ de facto relationship, the Court found that separation had occurred in February 2016. Since the de facto wife filed her application in November 2019, it was 20 months out of time. The de facto wife had two children who lived with her when the de facto husband was incarcerated. It was claimed that the de facto wife had relied on assurances from the de facto husband in 2017 and 2018 in the form of financial provisions. Although the applicant spouse engaged multiple marriage lawyers between 2017 and 2019 no proceedings were actually brought. [...]