Property Settlement Calculator
This is an indicative family law property settlement calculator. It applies the 4-step approach under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth): identify and value the pool, assess contributions, adjust for future needs (s 75(2)), then check the overall result is just and equitable. It produces an indicative percentage split — outcomes in court or mediation vary widely case by case.
What this calculator does
Australian family courts apply a structured 4-step approach to property settlement for married and de facto couples. This calculator asks about the combined asset pool, contributions, and future needs factors, then returns an indicative percentage split and dollar figure. It is useful for early-stage client conversations and matter triage — not for a binding financial agreement, which requires independent legal advice.
Legal basis
Property settlement between separated married or de facto couples is governed by the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth), ss 79 and 90SM. The court must consider contributions (financial, non-financial, homemaker) and future needs factors under s 75(2) / s 90SF(3), and the final order must be just and equitable (Stanford v Stanford (2012) 247 CLR 108).
How the calculation works
Step 1: identify and value the pool. Step 2: assess contributions (financial, non-financial, homemaker) as a starting percentage. Step 3: adjust for s 75(2) / s 90SF(3) future needs factors — age, health, earning capacity, care of children. Step 4: check the overall result is just and equitable. The calculator returns an indicative percentage and dollar split.
Interactive calculator coming soon
For a 15-year relationship with a $1,000,000 net pool, roughly equal initial contributions, children under 18 primarily cared for by Party 1, and moderate income disparity, an indicative split of 55–60% to Party 1 / 40–45% to Party 2 is common — that is $550,000–$600,000 to Party 1.
In the meantime, use the worked example above to validate your figures and confirm the final amount with the relevant revenue office or authority before relying on it in a matter.
Start free trialWhat you fill in
- Total net asset pool (AUD) (currency): Must be a positive number
- Relationship length (years) (number): Must be a positive number
- Party 1 initial contributions (%) (number): 0–100
- Children under 18? (select): Required
- Primary carer of children (select): Required
- Significant income disparity? (select): Required
Limitations
- Does not value or classify specific asset types (superannuation, business interests, trusts, overseas assets)
- Does not model add-backs (wasted spending, premature distribution) or notional property
- Does not weigh spousal maintenance — a separate statutory claim under ss 72 / 90SE
- Does not account for binding financial agreements or existing consent orders
- Indicative only — every matter turns on its own facts and a just and equitable discretion
What to do next
The calculator is a starting point, not a settlement plan. Book an initial consultation with a family lawyer to value the pool properly, consider superannuation splitting and spousal maintenance, and prepare consent orders or a binding financial agreement. Quillio supports family lawyers with financial disclosure analysis and s 75(2) submissions — see /practice-areas/family-lawyers.
Calculator FAQs
What is the 4-step approach?
Australian family courts apply: (1) identify and value the property pool, (2) assess contributions, (3) adjust for future needs factors under s 75(2) or s 90SF(3), (4) check the overall result is just and equitable. The High Court in Stanford confirmed step 4 is a substantive requirement.
Does this cover de facto couples?
Yes — s 90SM of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) applies the same framework to qualifying de facto relationships (generally 2+ years, a child of the relationship, or registered).
Does it include superannuation?
The calculator treats superannuation as part of the net pool if you include it. Superannuation splitting orders have their own rules and valuation methodology — the calculator does not model them in isolation.
Is this a substitute for legal advice?
No. Settlement outcomes depend on contributions, future needs, and the just and equitable discretion. Always get independent legal advice before signing a financial agreement or consent orders.
What about spousal maintenance?
Spousal maintenance under ss 72 / 90SE is a separate claim — the calculator focuses on property division only.
Are initial contributions always decisive?
No. In shorter relationships, initial contributions carry more weight; in long relationships, they typically dilute as contributions over time accumulate. The calculator reflects that in its indicative split.
What if the matter is already before the court?
If proceedings are on foot, rely on advice from the family lawyer representing you rather than a calculator. Financial disclosure obligations under rr 6.01–6.10 of the Federal Circuit and Family Court Rules 2021 are strict.
Get help with the matter
For family lawyers, Quillio handles the time-consuming financial disclosure review — categorising bank statements, super statements, and tax returns into a clean asset schedule, and drafting a s 75(2) submission outline. See /practice-areas/family-lawyers.
This calculator is indicative only. Family law property settlement is discretionary and outcomes vary significantly based on the particular facts. Always obtain independent legal advice before signing a financial agreement or consent orders.
Quillio handles the next steps.
The calculator gives you the number. Quillio handles the rest of the matter — drafting, review, research, and correspondence. The free trial requires no credit card.
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