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.
Giving gifts to family
What should you think about before giving financial gifts to family members? Find out how to avoid any regrets.
Going guarantor on a home loan
Is guaranteeing a family member’s home loan a good idea?
Lending money to family
How can you look after your needs when lending money to family members?
When adult children have outstayed their welcome (and you want them out)
Sometimes, having an adult child living in your home is far from ideal – for you.
Family Agreements Resources
Case Study: Pamela and Leo
Formal documentation of a family agreement can assist an older person recovering their money when the arrangement ends ...
First Nations Foundation Impact Report 2023
This major report documents the impact of a large scale financial literacy and education programme implemented in First...
Understanding financial elder abuse: video quick guides in community languages
These video guides help recognise and respond to elder financial abuse for CALD communities have been translated into 1...
Preventing Financial Abuse
This factsheet and checklist offers tips to empower older people to prevent financial abuse.
Family Agreements Real Stories
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