{"id":9450,"date":"2026-01-24T12:14:05","date_gmt":"2026-01-24T01:14:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastover55\/?p=9450"},"modified":"2026-01-17T12:14:47","modified_gmt":"2026-01-17T01:14:47","slug":"non-financial-contributions-property-settlement-central-coast","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastover55\/non-financial-contributions-property-settlement-central-coast\/","title":{"rendered":"More Than a Payslip: How Your Years of Homemaking Count in a Property Settlement"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By Sheree Orbell, Solicitor Director and Mia Eddy, Paralegal at Orbell Family Lawyers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Behind every happy home are countless unseen efforts, like school drop\u2013offs, home\u2013cooked meals, late\u2013night laundry, and quiet support during tough times. These acts of care may not appear on a payslip, but under Australian law, they count for a lot when it comes to dividing property after separation. When a relationship ends, dividing property isn\u2019t just about who earned the most money. Non\u2013financial contributions, including raising children, managing the home, and supporting a partner\u2019s career, are just as important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mia Eddy, Paralegal and Sheree Orbell, Solicitor Director at Orbell Family Lawyers, explain that although unpaid and often less visible, non\u2013financial contributions are recognised under Australian family law as vital to the functioning of a household or relationship. They are carefully considered to ensure a fair and equitable property settlement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are non\u2013financial contributions?
<\/strong>Non\u2013financial contributions refer to the time, effort, and energy a person invests in a relationship or household that isn\u2019t compensated with money. These efforts vary from family to family, but all play a key role in the wellbeing and success of the household.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even though these efforts don\u2019t generate income, Australian family law recognises their value when deciding how to divide property fairly. Common examples include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Managing the household: <\/strong>Cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, budgeting, and keeping the household organised and running smoothly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parenting and childcare:<\/strong> Providing emotional support, making decisions, managing routines, and caring for children, often while putting personal goals or careers on hold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Renovations or home improvements: <\/strong>DIY projects, repairs, or skilled trade work that increase the value or comfort of the home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Caring for family members: <\/strong>Supporting elderly or unwell relatives, which requires time, patience, and emotional energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Building and maintaining social networks: <\/strong>Staying connected with family, friends, and school communities, which helps create a strong support system for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How are these contributions valued?
<\/strong>Property settlements in Australia are governed by the Family Law Act 1975, which recognises both financial and non\u2013financial contributions. Homemakers and stay\u2013at\u2013home parents are explicitly acknowledged for their efforts, and courts assess these alongside income\u2013based contributions to achieve fairness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlike wages or savings accounts, non\u2013financial contributions are harder to measure. A range of factors are considered when assessing their value, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n