This fact sheet explains how the law deals with superannuation when couples divide their property after the breakdown of a marriage or de facto relationship.
Superannuation splitting law
The superannuation splitting law treats superannuation as a different type of property. It lets separating couples value their superannuation and split superannuation payments, although this is not mandatory.
Splitting does not convert it into a cash asset – it is still subject to superannuation laws (for example, it is usually retained until retirement ages are reached).
Options for splitting superannuation
Separating couples may either:
- enter into a formal written agreement to split superannuation
- A formal written agreement requires that both you and your former partner instruct a lawyer who must sign a certificate stating that independent legal advice about the agreement has been given. Once this agreement is made, you do not need to go to court. The agreement is not registered in court and you must be careful that each of you retains a copy.
- seek consent orders to split superannuation, or
- seek a court order to split superannuation (if you cannot reach an agreement with your former partner)
- Even when an application is made to a court, it is possible to reach an agreement at any stage without the need for a court hearing.
You should get legal advice about these options.
What you need to do to split superannuation
Step 1 Obtain valuation information
You need to get information to value the superannuation. You should provide the following forms to the trustee of the superannuation fund:
- Form 6 Declaration (found in the Superannuation Information Kit). This satisfies the trustee of the fund that you are entitled to get the information for this limited purpose, and
- Superannuation Information Request Form (accompanied by the appropriate Superannuation Information Form).
The superannuation fund may charge a fee for providing the information, and this is paid when you send the forms. The Superannuation Information Kit is available on the court’s website and provides the information and the forms you need.
The information from the trustee may be enough to value the superannuation. However, the valuation of some superannuation interests can be complex. An expert may need to provide a further valuation. You should get legal advice about valuing superannuation.
Finding the fund/s to make the request
If you are a party to a current proceeding seeking financial/property orders in the Court, and you are not sure which fund/s you need valuations from, you or your legal representative can apply directly to the Court to request your spouse, former spouse or de facto's superannuation information held by the Commissioner of Taxation.
The request for superannuation information must be made in the approved Superannuation Information Request form online using the Commonwealth Courts Portal. You must be part of a current property settlement proceeding to make a request. For more information see, Visibility of superannuation for property settlement proceedings.
How superannuation is valued
There are different types of superannuation. The superannuation splitting legislation sets out methods for valuing most types of superannuation, but there are exceptions, including:
- self-managed superannuation funds – they are generally valued with the assistance of an expert such as an accountant
- where the Attorney-General has approved a fund using a different valuation method.
Step 2 Decide the method of splitting
Either enter into a formal written agreement or obtain a court order.
Obtaining a court order
You obtain court orders about the division of property in two ways:
- by consent of the parties
- If you and your former partner have reached an agreement at the outset, then an Application for Consent Orders can be filed in the Federal Circuit and Family Court, accompanied by a consent order recording the agreement. The orders can then be made in chambers without either of you attending court.
- as a result of a court hearing.
- Even if you start proceedings, you can reach an agreement at any stage and once the orders recording the agreement are made you do not need to attend court further.
Either way, you need to file an application with the Court. For more information see, How do I apply for property and financial orders.
You should also refer to the Practice Direction – Financial Proceedings for information about what documents must be filed to commence or respond to financial proceedings.
The information from the superannuation fund trustee will help you to complete the court forms. You must disclose all superannuation, even if you do not intend to split superannuation payments.
Informing the superannuation fund
If you are seeking court orders about superannuation, you must tell the superannuation fund trustee about the orders you are seeking. The trustee must have an opportunity to attend the court hearing and object to the orders that you are seeking. This is called providing the trustee with ‘procedural fairness’.
As such, if you seek a superannuation flagging order or a superannuation splitting order, you must immediately after filing the application, response, or reply, serve a sealed copy of that document on the trustee of the eligible superannuation plan. You must also notify the trustee at least 28 days before the first day of the trial in writing of the terms of the order that will be sought at the trial and the date of the trial.
Once the superannuation order is made, whether by consent or after a hearing, it is important to provide a sealed copy of the order to the trustee.
Legal advice
You should get legal advice before deciding what to do. A lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and responsibilities, and explain how the law applies to your case. A lawyer can help you reach an agreement with your former partner without going to court.
You can get legal advice from a:
- legal aid office
- community legal centre, or
- private law firm.
Court staff can help you with questions about court forms and the court process, but can not give you legal advice.
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