What is property settlement?
Property settlement is a formal Court Order or Financial Agreement. It records how all property of a marriage or de facto relationship is to be divided, usually following the breakdown of the relationship.
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Our property settlement team will review your matter. Our experienced settlement lawyers will ask the the right questions to establish the facts and gather the information required, to move your matter along efficiently.
Our Simple 4 step process means that we don’t waste time or money and can give you the answers and advice you need, in order to make an informed decision.
Complex Property Settlements
The Pace Adelaide Legal property settlement lawyers are expert in complex property settlements.
Working in conjunction with the commercial law team, we are able to offer a unique and superior service on complex family law property settlement matters, for high net worth individuals and matters involving high value asset pools.
What Is The Property Settlement Process?
Property settlement can be broken down into an easy to understand 4 step process.
1. Establish the total assets owned
2. Establish the contributions of each party to the assets and liabilities, including superannuation
3. Establish the future needs of each party
4. Establish that the agreed settlement is fair & equitable?

What is included in “Property and Assets” in a Property Settlement?
- Items that are owned by either you or your partner
- Items jointly owned
- Financial holdings
- Debts
- Future Earnings Capability
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Items that are “owned”
Things that are owned individually by you or your former partner, including things you owned prior to your relationship.
Things that you jointly acquired during your relationship.
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Financial Holdings
These Can Include:
Superannuation | Trusts | Inheritances | Long Service Leave
Business Holdings | Savings | Shares & Investments

Debts
Are Debts included in any settlement calculation?
Yes all debts are included in a settlement calculation, including:
Bank Debts | Mortgages | Car Finance
Credit Card Debts | Any Other Loans
So, anything you owe money on, or any debts you may have, have to be included in a property settlement.
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Be Aware
If you or your partner don’t mention or include any assets or liabilities during a property settlement may result in any agreement being thrown out by the court. This means you would have to start all over again and pay the additional associated fees.
How much will I get from my settlement?
It is a common misconception that all property settlements are split 50/50. This is not the case. Many factors need to be taken into consideration in reaching a percentage split, and the asset distribution varies according to each matter.

The Court considers a range of factors called “Section 75(2) Factors”
These are listed listed here:
- The age and state of health of each of the parties.
- Income, property, finances and ability to earn an income.
- Whether either party has the care or control of a child of the marriage who has not attained the age of 18 years.
- Commitments relating to support of themselves, a dependent or other person.
- Eligibility for a pension, allowance or benefit.
- Where the parties have separated or divorced.
- The extent to which payment of maintenance could enable further education and therefore increase their earning capacity.
- The effect of any proposed order on the ability of a creditor of a party to recover a creditor’s debt.
- The extent to which one party has contributed to the income, earning capacity, property and financial resources of the other party.
- How the length of the marriage affected the earning capacity of the party seeking maintenance.
- The need to protect a party who wishes to continue their role as a parent.
- Financial circumstances of any current cohabitation by either party.
- Orders made under Section 79 of the Family Law Act, if any. This section regulates how assets are to be divided.
- Any child support that one of the parties is liable for.
- Any fact or circumstance which the court feels needs to be taken into account for reasons of justice.
- The terms of any financial agreement binding on the parties to the marriage.
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Can’t agree on how to divide the assets of your relationship or just need some help and advice to work through all the property settlement issues?
Support & Guidance
Pace Adelaide Legal is here to support and guide you towards the best possible outcome for you. We can help you work through the many issues you encounter when faced with the prospect of divorce, such as resolving property matters and ensuring that the children are cared for, with minimum disruption to their routine. Sensible advice for a sensible separation and a sensible divorce.
No need to wait for divorce
Many people think that a property settlement can only be undertaken after divorce or separation is finalised, but that isn’t the case. In fact, you can finalise your property matters any time after separation and indeed, many clients choose to do so. We are here to help you work through it.
30 Minute No Obligation Consultation
To make it easier on you, our experienced Pace Adelaide Legal family lawyers offer a free 30 minute, no obligation consultation, where we can talk you through your options. Sensibly.
More About Property Settlement
Are There Time Limits Applying to Property Settlement?
Yes. The time limit to bring a claim commences from the date of separation, so it is important to get advice as soon as possible after your relationship has ended. For a defacto relationship, this is generally two years from the date of separation.
In the case of a marriage, once a divorce has been finalised there is a 12 month time limit within which your property settlement must be finalised, otherwise you may lose your right to bring a claim in the Court if the matter cannot be resolved without litigation. You can apply for property settlement at any point after separation.
Reaching an Agreement
If you and your ex-partner are still communicating, it is best to see if you can reach a mutual agreement in relation to your joint property and assets. Of course, before you do so it is ideal to get independent legal advice, so that you are aware of your rights and what you are entitled to.
If you can reach an agreement, then you and your ex-partner can apply to the Court for Consent Orders to be made ex-parte, i.e. without the need for a Court appearance and without going through the Court system. Consent Orders are legally binding and enforceable and the Court will consider the facts of your matter to determine whether the agreement is fair and equitable.
Will I need to go to Court?
If you and your ex-partner can’t reach an agreement, then it may be necessary to make an application to the Court. The Court will take into consideration all of the factors of your case and will organise a conciliation conference where you, your lawyer, your ex-partner and their legal representative can meet in an attempt to reach agreement. If there is any reason that you do not feel comfortable being in the same room as your ex-partner, then it can be arranged for you to be in separate rooms.
If agreement cannot be reached by way of this conciliation conference, then the matter would proceed to trial and the Court would make a decision on the distribution of the assets of the relationship based on the evidence presented.
Superannuation
Superannuation can be a major asset which is also considered as part of the marital/defacto property pool, and may be equalised between the parties as part of your property settlement. Superannuation isn’t always straightforward, so let us help you cut through the jargon and keep it simple. The sensible way.
How can Pace Adelaide Legal help?
At Pace Adelaide Legal we understand that this can be an overwhelming and emotional time, and that’s why we work with you to achieve the best possible outcome. Regardless of the complexities of your case, you can rely on us. Whether we resolve your matter by consent or through litigation, our team of property settlement lawyers in Adelaide will be with you every step of the way.
At Pace Adelaide Legal, you matter to us.
Call us today on (08) 8410 9294 to arrange a meeting, or email us at info@pacelawyers.com.
Property Settlement Questions & Answers
A financial settlement can sometimes be finalised within weeks if both parties are cooperative and agreement is reached quickly. If mediation is needed it may take several months and if the matter proceeds to Court the process can extend for years depending on complexity and Court timetables.
If you and your former partner agree on how to divide the property, your settlement can usually be documented by consent orders without a Court appearance. If you cannot agree, an application to the Court may be required and a conciliation conference or, ultimately, a trial may be needed for a Judge to decide the outcome.
Yes. For de facto relationships you generally have two years from the date of separation to commence property settlement proceedings. For married couples, once a divorce is final there is a 12 month limit to start proceedings. Missing these deadlines can seriously affect your rights so early legal advice is important.
No. Australian family law operates on a no fault basis. The Court is not concerned with who caused the relationship to end, only that the marriage or relationship has broken down irretrievably and what division of property is just, equitable and in the interests of any children.
The property pool usually includes the family home, investment properties, vehicles, savings, shares, business interests, superannuation, long service leave entitlements, valuable personal items such as jewellery and sporting equipment and all household contents, together with the associated debts of both parties.
The asset pool is the combined total of all assets, liabilities and financial resources of both parties, whether held jointly or individually. It typically includes real estate, bank accounts, superannuation, investments, business interests, vehicles, personal property, inheritances in some cases and all debts such as mortgages, loans and credit cards.
No. While some people receive a roughly equal division, the Court looks at contributions made by each party and their future needs to decide what percentage division is fair. Factors such as income, earning capacity, health, care of children and the length of the relationship all influence the final outcome.
Once you decide to separate it is sensible to record a clear date of separation, gather documents about your assets, debts and income, review joint banking arrangements and obtain advice from an experienced family lawyer. Having good emotional and financial support in place can also help you navigate the changes ahead.
No. Separation can occur when one person communicates that the relationship is over and acts on that decision, for example by moving out or clearly changing the living arrangements, even if the other person does not agree that the relationship should end.
You can seek a property settlement any time after separation. If agreement cannot be reached, you may apply to the Court within the relevant time limits. It is crucial to provide full and frank disclosure of all assets and debts, otherwise any agreement or orders may later be set aside.

Jessica Sinclair
Chief Counsel/Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner
