Family Law & Divorce

Contributions

Also known as: financial and non-financial contributions

In plain English

Everything each partner brought to the relationship—money, property, work, homemaking and parenting—which the court weighs up when dividing property.

What it means

In a property settlement, the court assesses each partner's contributions under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth). These include financial contributions (such as income, savings, property brought in, or inheritances) and non-financial contributions (such as renovations or unpaid work in a business), as well as contributions as a homemaker and parent. Importantly, homemaking and parenting contributions are valued alongside financial ones, so a parent who stayed home is not disadvantaged for not earning income. Contributions across the whole relationship, including before and after separation, are considered before the court also weighs future needs.

How it's used

The court recognised her years of homemaking and childcare as significant non-financial contributions to the asset pool.

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