Vaughan & Bele

In the matter of *Vaughan & Bele*, Cronin J of the Family Court of Australia was required to determine whether a de facto relationship existed between the applicant and the respondent and, if so, when that relationship concluded. The dispute concerned the legal characterisation of the parties' association and its termination date, which would have implications for subsequent proceedings concerning final property orders.

The central legal issue before the Court was the existence and duration of a de facto relationship, as defined by the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth). This determination was a prerequisite for the Court to exercise its jurisdiction to make property adjustment orders under the Act. The Court needed to assess the evidence presented by the parties against the statutory criteria for establishing a de facto relationship.

Cronin J declared that a de facto relationship did exist between the applicant and the respondent, and that this relationship terminated on 2 March 2009. This declaration was made pursuant to sections 90RD and 4AA of the *Family Law Act 1975* (Cth). Following this declaration, the Court ordered that all outstanding applications for final orders be referred to the Registrar for allocation of a hearing date, to proceed in accordance with the established de facto relationship. Liberty was reserved for either party to apply for further orders consequent upon this decision. The Court also certified that the matter reasonably required the attendance of counsel, including senior counsel, pursuant to Rule 19.50 of the *Family Law Rules 2004*.