Law

Things you should know before you choose to end a de facto relationship

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By Kaleem Ullah

Are you someone who is looking for help in order to legally separate from your de facto partner? Are you confused about the steps that you need to take to complete the legal procedures? Now that you’re thinking of separation, it is vital for you to stay aware of your rights and the services that you can take resort to.

 

Whenever you decide to separate, you basically have to do nothing. There’s no specific document that you require signing to confirm that you’re separated from your partner. You don’t have to apply for a separation at the court or fill out any formal documents. Before you rush on to hire a Connecticut Divorce Lawyer, check out some facts. 

 

De facto relationship – What to do when you want to end it

 

When two individuals, of the opposite sex or of the same sex, live together as a couple without marrying each other, this is known as a de facto relationship. When this couple have been living together on a serious domestic basis, they don’t have to go through any specific legal step for ending such a de facto relationship. 

 

What are you entitled to?

 

Just as we mentioned above that there is no formal process in a divorce of a de facto couple, you might have to divide debts, assets, and property. Since there are too many clients who still don’t know what rights they enjoy, let’s check out what you may need to share:

 

  • Money in bank accounts
  • Property and houses
  • Vehicles and cars
  • Shares and dividends
  • Household furniture and other kitchen appliances
  • Property and business investment
  • Personal items like jewellery
  • Superannuation
  • Credit card debt or other unsecured loan debt
  • Mortgage

 

Sharing all the above-mentioned assets should be done irrespective of whether they are owned separately or jointly. Both the individuals in the de facto relationship should receive a slice of the assets if the following criteria are fulfilled. 

 

  • The de facto relationship has lasted for more than 2 years
  • The de facto couple have a child or children together 
  • Any one party made noteworthy monetary or non-monetary contributions and that would be injustice if the property is not divided
  • The relationship has been registered within the state

 

There are a few states where this division of assets, property and debts is finalized through a legal financial agreement that is given by the court. This agreement is supposed to be a legally binding document that mentions how both the separated de facto relationship individuals should divide their finances and debts. 

 

However, this document isn’t required legally to end their relationship but still it offers a financial protection for them. This process of dividing assets should be completed within 2 years of their separation. In case of having children, you also have to make decisions on child custody arrangement. 

 

Therefore, now that you’re sure about the steps to take in order to end a de facto relationship, what are you waiting for? Get out of a relationship as soon as things get toxic.