Financial agreements are relevant to both married and de facto (including same sex) couples. However, in order to be binding some strict rules need to be followed, so legal advice may be required.

Married Couples

A pre-nuptial agreement is a contract between spouses. It usually covers what is agreed will happen financially during the marriage and upon separation.

While these agreements are often referred to as pre-nuptial agreements, this term can be misleading. They can be made before a marriage, during the marriage or even after a marriage breaks down. These agreements are known as financial agreements and in order to be binding some strict rules need to be followed.

De Facto Couples

Financial agreements between de facto couples are dealt with by the Family Law Act 1975. De facto couples include same sex couples.

De facto couples can enter into agreements at the start of or during their relationship and in the event of the breakdown of their relationship. The agreements are referred to as financial agreements and in order to be binding some strict rules need to be followed.