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The Property (Relationships) Act 1976 ("the Act") applies to marriages, civil unions and de facto relationships. Generally under the Act, at the end of one of these relationships, the parties receive a 50:50 share of all the relationship property. This usually includes the home, family chattels, and all other property acquired during the relationship. However the Court does have the power to award a lump sum payment or order the transfer of relationship property from one party in the relationship to the other under Section 15 of the Act.

When you apply for a Protection Order you are applying to be protected from violence and harm caused by another person to you. To qualify you must be or have been in a domestic relationship with the violent person ("the respondent"): ie have been in a close and personal relationship, are the parents of, related to through blood or marriage, etc.