We are pleased to write that after years of lobbying by the Family Law Practitioner’s Association of Western Australia, new laws have been passed through the State Parliament to allow former de facto couples in Western Australia to split their superannuation during property settlement. Prior to this reform only married couples in Western Australia could split their superannuation, the new laws will reform this outdated practice.
Attorney General John Quigley has commented “for too long outdated arrangements meant de facto partners in WA could not split their superannuation in the event of a separation”.[1]
The long-anticipated reform brings Western Australia in line with the Eastern States. Superannuation is often one of the largest assets in a property pool and former de facto couples will no longer be disadvantaged.
Although the laws have been passed, the commencement date is yet to be proclaimed by the Governor.
If you would like to find out more about superannuation splitting orders, or separation in general, please reach out to our experienced family lawyers at West Coast Legal. Call us today for a free 15-minute consultation on (08) 9325 3334.
[1] https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/McGowan/2022/08/De-facto-couples-now-captured-under-superannuation-splitting-laws.aspx
