If you live in a de facto union with your spouse, you have no legal status as a couple in the eyes of the law. If you separate, and provided you have not had children together or adopted any children, you will have no obligation toward each other, regardless of how many years you have lived together.
For this reason, it is always advisable for people living in a de facto union to sign a cohabitation contract. If you separate, this document will determine how you share any property you purchased jointly while living together.
Note
If you are a de facto spouse, you should keep copies of all your bills and contracts to prove ownership of your property.
