Couples who are married or living together in a civil union or de facto union often separate informally, a situation known as a de facto separation. However, the consequences depend on the rules governing marriage, civil unions and de facto unions.
If you begin a de facto separation, which means that you cease living with your spouse without applying for a court judgment, you must be aware that disagreements are possible.
Since a de facto separation has no legal value, it does not break the bonds of the marriage or civil union. You are still bound by all the obligations of the marriage or civil union, and depend on the good faith of your former spouse. You have no recourse in the event of a disagreement.
Note
If you have dependent children, regardless of whether you were married or in a civil or de facto union, you are entitled to the program of free family mediation.
