When couples separate, the question of who gets what can be one of the most emotionally charged and legally complex issues to resolve.
Under Australian family law, property settlement is not just about dividing assets, it’s about recognising contributions, future needs, and what is just and equitable for both parties.
But what role does the length of your relationship play in determining the outcome?
At Ramsden Family Law, we’ve helped hundreds of clients across both short and long-term relationships understand their entitlements and resolve their property matters fairly.
In this article, we break down how relationship duration can influence settlement outcomes and what you can expect depending on your unique situation.
What Is Considered a Short vs. Long-Term Relationship
There is no exact duration that defines a “short” or “long” relationship, but generally:
- Short-term relationship: 0–5 years
- Long-term relationship: 5 years and beyond
However, the Court may also consider factors such as children, financial dependence, and cohabitation when assessing the depth and seriousness of a relationship. This is especially relevant for de facto couples, whose relationships may not involve marriage but are still recognised under the law.
Ultimately, whether a relationship is classified as ‘short’ or ‘long’ depends on the specific facts of each relationship, including the duration, the nature/types of contributions, and whether there are children or other significant factors involved.
How Property Settlement Is Determined in Australia
- Identifying and valuing the asset pool This includes all shared and individual property, superannuation, debts, businesses, and investments.
- Assessing contributions This looks at both financial and non-financial contributions by each party, such as income, homemaking, childcare, or renovations.
- Evaluating future needs The Court considers each person’s age, health, earning capacity, childcare responsibilities, and financial security.
- Determining what is just and equitable A final decision is made to ensure fairness based on the facts of the case.
Property Settlements After a Short Relationship
Focus on Initial Contributions
In short relationships, the Courts tend to give greater weight to each party’s initial financial contributions. For example, who paid the deposit on the home or brought in substantial assets at the start.
If there are no children and limited interdependence, the court may adopt a more mathematical or ‘asset-by-asset’ approach to assessing contributions, as opposed to a ‘global’ approach (where the Court considers all assets in a global pool). In such situations, the Court is more likely to aim for a return to each party’s original financial position, with some adjustment for joint efforts during the relationship.
Practical Example
If one person entered the relationship with a paid-off home and the other moved in with minimal assets, a short relationship may not result in an even split. Instead, the non-owning partner’s entitlement may be limited to their direct contributions (e.g. shared bills, improvements to the home).
Children Change the Equation
Where children are involved, even in a short relationship, the Court will factor in parenting responsibilities and future needs, which may alter a straightforward financial assessment.
Property Settlements After a Long-Term Relationship
Emphasis on Shared Contributions
Over time, the lines between individual and joint contributions blur.
In long-term relationships, the Court recognises that both financial and non-financial efforts, such as raising children, maintaining a home, or supporting a partner’s career, have lasting value. As a result, asset division becomes less about “who paid for what” and more about what is considered fair and reasonable moving forward.
In a ‘long’ relationship, the significance of initial contributions diminishes over time with increased duration and various circumstances, such as the pooling of resources and mutual contributions. In these circumstances, the court is more likely to adopt a global approach to property division.
Balancing Future Needs
In longer relationships, disparities in income, age, and health often develop. One partner may have sacrificed career opportunities for caregiving responsibilities. In these cases, the Court may award them a larger share of the assets to compensate for future disadvantage.
Key Differences Based on Relationship Length
| Factor | Short-Term Relationship | Long-Term Relationship |
| Initial Contributions | Heavily weighted | Less significant |
| Shared Assets | Often minimal | Usually substantial |
| Future Needs | Limited, unless children involved | Strongly considered |
| Homemaker Contributions | Lower weight unless significant | Highly valued |
| Asset Division Outcome | More likely to return to pre-relationship | Focus on fairness and financial equity |
How Ramsden Family Law Can Help
Every property settlement is unique and that’s why specialist legal guidance is so important.
At Ramsden Family Law, our family law specialists have extensive experience in both short and long-term relationship property matters.
Whether you’re dividing a modest asset pool or navigating complex holdings involving businesses, trusts, or multiple properties, we’ll help you accurately assess your entitlements to representing you in court.
Learn more about our property settlement services.
Considering Your Future? Let’s Start the Conversation
Whether you’ve just separated or are thinking ahead, understanding how the length of your relationship affects your property rights is a crucial first step.
At Ramsden Family Law, we’re here to provide clarity, protect your interests, and help you move forward with confidence.
Call 1300 749 709 or book your free 30-minute consultation online today.
