The Court can do this if the economic disadvantage results from how the couple divided their responsibilities when they were together -- for example, if one of them resigned from their job to look after the children while the other focused on their career. Short-Term Relationships: Does the Act Apply? Marriages and civil unions of less than three years If a marriage or civil union lasts for less than three years, it's covered by the Property (Relationships) Act, but in a special way. Equal sharing usually won't apply to the family home and chattels, such as the car and household furniture and appliances. Instead, each person's share will depend on the contribution they made to the marriage or civil union. In special cases the Court can decide to treat a marriage or civil union of three years or more as if it were for less than three years, so that equal sharing doesn't apply. De facto relationships of less than three years If a de facto relationship lasts for less than three years, the Property (Relationships) Act usually won't apply at all. Instead the ordinary rules of property ownership decide what property each person is entitled to. There are some exceptions to the rule that the Act doesn't apply to de facto couples who were together less than three years. Also, even if the Act doesn't apply, a de facto partner may in some cases be able to show there was some form of trust that entitles them to a