When relationships are new, the last thing most couples want to think about is legal paperwork. But as Kate & John and Mike & Kerry discovered, putting clear agreements in place isn’t about mistrust — it’s about protecting the future they’re building together.

Kate and John's Story

Kate and John are in their forties and have both been around the block before.


Kate separated from the father of her two children three years ago, and the family home was part of the property settlement. She’s finally ready to move forward with John, but one thought keeps her awake at night: Am I putting my children’s home at risk if this doesn’t work out?


John, on the other hand, wants to reassure Kate. He knows her fears are real, but he also wants them to be able to focus on their future together, not on past scars.


The resolution: By creating a Binding Financial Agreement before moving in, Kate was able to protect her children’s security while opening the door to a new chapter with John. The document gave them both clarity and peace of mind - a safety net that meant they could move in together with confidence.

Mike & Kerry’s Story


Mike and Kerry had been together for about a year when they decided to take the next step and live together.


Mike was close to retirement and had built up significant Superannuation after a long career in the public service. He worried that, without a written agreement, this nest egg might one day be open to a claim if things went wrong.


Kerry wanted Mike to feel secure. For her, it wasn’t about his money, it was about being together. But she understood his concerns and wanted a fair solution that would reassure them both.


The resolution: With a Binding Financial Agreement in place, Mike was able to safeguard his Super and Kerry had the reassurance that everything was out in the open from the start. Instead of uncertainty, they found peace of mind and could focus on building their life together.

Why Their Stories Matter

The law already provides de facto partners with certain rights — for example, the ability to make a claim on each other’s property after two years of living together (or sooner if there are children involved).


But those default rules don’t always reflect what couples want. Most people prefer certainty, clarity, and a plan they’ve agreed upon together, rather than leaving financial matters to chance or a court’s discretion.


That’s where a Binding Financial Agreement comes in. It allows you to:

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Decide in advance how property, super, and debts will be handled if the relationship ends.

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Avoid unnecessary stress, conflict, and costly court proceedings.

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Protect existing assets (like a family home or superannuation).

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Start your life together with transparency and confidence.

The De Facto Relationship Financial Agreement Kit gives you the tools to set this out clearly and legally - without spending thousands on lawyers.

Learn More about the De Facto Relationship Financial Agreement Kit

A little about Us

RP Emery and Associates have been providing legal kits for over 30 years and specialising in Financial Agreements since 2009. We have literally helped thousands of couples organise a financial agreement with less stress and at a fraction of the normal cost.

We’ve made it our mission to simplify the financial settlement and that starts with educating people about their options.

Ian

Ian Macleod - Director of RP Emery