Video chapters
Quick answer
A party’s lack of paid employment does not mean their contributions are ignored. Property outcomes depend on the whole asset and debt position, financial and non-financial contributions, homemaking and parenting, current and future circumstances, and whether the proposed result is just and equitable.
About this historical recording
This recording is retained because it explains the issue in plain language and forms part of the Go To Court video archive. The current answer, practical steps and official sources on this page take priority wherever legislation, terminology, institutions, deadlines, penalties or service arrangements have changed.
What to do now
- List everything: Identify all assets, debts, superannuation and financial resources in either name or jointly.
- Document contributions: Record financial, non-financial, parenting and homemaking contributions across the relationship.
- Exchange disclosure: Preserve and disclose complete financial records and ask for missing documents.
- Get advice before agreement: Check time limits, tax, superannuation, implementation and whether the proposed outcome is legally appropriate.
Transcript
If your partner has never worked and all the assets of the marriage are in your name, then they will still be entitled to some of the property settlement. It really depends on how much they contributed in relation to the care of the children, maintenance to the property and many other factors. So if you really want to know exactly how much your partner is entitled to, it's best to make an appointment with a family lawyer that can sit down and go through all the assets of the marriage and who contributed what to the marriage to give you an accurate estimate of what your partner would be and you would be entitled to.
Current sources
Sources checked 4 September 2026.
Important
This page provides general information only; it is not legal advice and does not take account of your circumstances. The embedded video is a historical recording. Laws, court arrangements, procedures, fees, deadlines and official guidance can change. Check the current sources above and obtain advice from a qualified lawyer about your situation.