Intro

Defacto and Same Sex Relationships

The Law & De Facto Relationships

In 2009 changes to the laws in Australia have made it so that de facto relationships have similar rights and obligations as married couples. This means that many of the same rules including those related to finances and children still apply.

What qualifies as a de facto relationship is based on a number of factors including

• the duration of the relationship;
• the nature and extent of common residence;
• whether a sexual relationship exists;
• the degree of financial dependence or interdependence and arrangements for financial support;
• the ownership, use and acquisition of their property;
• the decree of mutual commitment to a shared life;
• whether the relationship is or was registered under a prescribed law of a State/Territory;
• the care and support of children; and
• the reputation and public aspects of the relationship