Fred RiversMaya Jama and Manchester City defender Ruben Dias have ended their relationship, with sources close to the couple telling British media the split was mutual and amicable — the relationship had "run its course" as competing work schedules pulled them in different directions. The news broke in May 2026 as Jama, who hosts Love Island and has just been confirmed for the second series of BBC's Celebrity Traitors, prepares for one of the busiest periods of her career. For the millions of Australians currently in de facto relationships, the story is a reminder that when high-profile unmarried couples separate, the legal and financial questions that follow can be surprisingly complex — regardless of whether you are a global television presenter or an ordinary couple sharing a lease.
What Is a De Facto Relationship Under Australian Law?
The Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) defines a de facto relationship as two people — of the same or opposite sex — who live together on a genuine domestic basis without being legally married. Unlike some other jurisdictions, Australia gives de facto couples substantially the same legal rights as married couples when it comes to property division and spousal maintenance.
To access those rights, a couple generally needs to have lived together for at least two years. Exceptions apply when a child was born of the relationship, or when one partner has made substantial financial or non-financial contributions — meaning shorter relationships can still attract legal rights in certain circumstances.
The Clock Starts on Separation Day
One of the most important — and most commonly misunderstood — aspects of de facto law in Australia is the time limit. Once a de facto relationship ends, you have two years to make a claim for property settlement or spousal maintenance. After that, you may lose the right to make a claim entirely.
Many couples who separate without formal legal advice simply walk away from the shared property arrangement and assume the matter is settled. It often is not. If one person later realises they have a claim — perhaps because they made significant non-financial contributions (caring for children, supporting a partner's career, maintaining a property) — pursuing that claim becomes significantly harder and more expensive after the two-year window closes.
What the Court Considers When Dividing Property
When Australian family courts assess property settlement for de facto couples, the framework mirrors that applied to divorcing married couples. The court evaluates:
Financial contributions: Deposits paid, mortgage repayments, income brought to the household, business earnings.
Non-financial contributions: Unpaid work including homemaking, raising children, supporting a partner's career development, or improving a property through labour rather than money.
Future needs: Each person's earning capacity, age, health, care responsibilities for children, and the effect the relationship had on their individual financial position — including any career opportunities foregone.
Family violence: Changes to the Family Law Act that took effect from June 10, 2025 now expressly require courts to consider the effect of family violence on the contributions made by each party, and on the circumstances of the separation.
The law does not assume a 50/50 split. The outcome depends entirely on the circumstances of the particular relationship.
Three Practical Steps for Australians in De Facto Relationships
1. Document your contributions from the beginning
One of the greatest difficulties in de facto property disputes is proving what each person contributed, particularly for non-financial contributions. Keeping records — bank statements, mortgage documents, written agreements about financial arrangements — is far easier during the relationship than after it ends.
2. Consider a Binding Financial Agreement
Married couples have prenuptial agreements. De facto couples have the equivalent under the Family Law Act — a Binding Financial Agreement (BFA) that sets out how property will be divided if the relationship ends. A BFA must meet strict formal requirements and each party must receive independent legal advice before signing. A lawyer can advise whether a BFA is appropriate for your circumstances.
3. Don't let the two-year window lapse without advice
If your de facto relationship has recently ended and you are unsure whether you have a property claim, speak to a family lawyer as soon as possible. The two-year deadline is not extended simply because you did not know about it. For many people, the free or low-cost first consultation that family lawyers offer is enough to clarify whether you have a viable claim worth pursuing.
When to See a Family Lawyer
Most de facto separations that do not involve property, children, or significant financial contributions resolve informally. But if you shared a home, if one partner reduced their working hours or left employment, or if either partner received or expects to receive a significant asset (an inheritance, a business interest, a windfall), legal advice is worth getting early.
Maya Jama and Ruben Dias are navigating their separation with the resources and advisers that come with their professional profiles. For Australian couples without that support, the Family Law Act provides meaningful protections — but only for those who know they exist and act within the required timeframes.
For official information on de facto relationships and family law in Australia, visit the Attorney-General's Department family law resources.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Family law is complex and varies in application. Consult a qualified Australian family lawyer for advice specific to your situation.
