Family Agreements
Living with your adult child? Co-purchasing property? Or building an extension or granny flat with family? Learn more about the value of setting up a formal family agreement.
What is a family agreement?
A family agreement is an arrangement between an older person and someone else regarding care and living arrangements.
What should a family agreement include?
A family agreement should include everyone’s contributions, what they expect in return, and what should happen if the agreement ends.
Steps to take to arrange a family agreement
There are many steps to arranging formal family arrangements. This outline will help you understand where to start.
When things go wrong
Unfortunately, family agreements don't always work out. This can leave an older person in a difficult position, find out what to do when things go wrong.
Centrelink and the age pension
Older people can receive the age pension through Centrelink/Services Australia, with the amount received dependent on their income and assets.
Intergenerational households
Many intergenerational households come about as a cultural norm or a way of providing care for ageing parents or grandchildren.
Contributory Parent visas and migration to Australia
While many people enter into family agreements to ensure they receive some extra support as they age, often a driving motivation is to provide support for their family.
Family Agreements tip sheet
If you are considering entering into a formal Family Agreement here are a few tips to consider.
Family Agreements checklist
This helpful checklist is a great place to start. It includes summary information about making Family Agreements as well as what to do when things go wrong and where to seek help.
Family Agreements Resources
Personal and family counselling
Many people, at some point, experience a challenging situation or crisis in their lives. It can help to have someone to...
Moving in with Family? - Make Sure You Protect Your Interests
As you get older you may find that living alone in your own home is no longer working for you.
Living With Your Adult Child video
One in a series of short videos helping seniors and their carers recognise and prevent elder abuse, created by Compass.
Living arrangements for older people
This fact sheet has information for older Western Australians about living arrangements.
Family Agreements Real Stories
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