FAIRBAIRN & RADECKI

In the matter of *Fairbairn & Radecki*, heard before Judge Betts of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, the dispute concerned the breakdown of a de facto relationship. The court was asked to determine the date upon which the de facto relationship between the parties had ended.

The central legal issue before the court was to ascertain the precise date of the breakdown of the de facto relationship, a determination crucial for the application of certain provisions within the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth), specifically section 90RD.

Judge Betts applied the principles governing the determination of the end of a de facto relationship, considering the evidence presented by the parties regarding their conduct and interactions. The court concluded that the de facto relationship between the parties had broken down by no later than 25 May 2018. The court also reserved the wife's costs and adjourned the proceedings for further directions.