SAMPSON & SAMPSON

In *Sampson & Sampson*, the parties, who had been married for 10 years before divorcing, subsequently resumed living together for a period of 14 years. The wife contended that this period constituted a de facto relationship, during which they raised their three children, resided in their former matrimonial home, and purchased additional property. The husband, however, denied the existence of a de facto relationship, asserting they lived together as companions. The matter came before Am J.

The central legal issue before the court was whether the parties' cohabitation following their divorce amounted to a de facto relationship for the purposes of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth). This required the court to consider the nature of their relationship during the 14-year period, including their living arrangements, financial dealings, and the overall indicia of a committed partnership, despite their marital status.

Am J found that the parties were indeed in a de facto relationship. The court reasoned that the length of cohabitation, the shared raising of children, joint property acquisition, and extensive travel together, predominantly without their children, pointed strongly towards a relationship akin to marriage. These factors, taken collectively, demonstrated a mutual commitment to a shared life and domestic arrangement, satisfying the criteria for a de facto relationship under the relevant legislation.