Shee & Hale

In the matter of *Shee & Hale*, heard before Baumann J of the Family Court of Australia, the applicant and respondent were in dispute regarding the existence of a de facto relationship. The applicant sought a declaration that a de facto relationship existed between the parties for a specified period.

The central legal issue before the Court was whether the parties had been in a de facto relationship within the meaning of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth) during the period from March 2007 to March 2010. This required the Court to consider the criteria for establishing a de facto relationship as defined by the Act.

The Court considered the evidence presented and, applying the provisions of section 90RD of the *Family Law Act 1975*, made a declaration that the applicant and respondent were in a de facto relationship from March 2007 to March 2010. The proceedings were subsequently adjourned for a case management hearing.