How do I know if my relationship constitutes a 'De Facto Relationship'?

A 'de facto relationship' includes same sex partners and can exist if a partner is married to someone else or is in another de facto relationship. The relevant legislation defines partners as being in a de facto relationship if they are not married or related to each other, and having regard to all the circumstances of their relationship, living together on a genuine domestic basis.

Those circumstances may include:

·        the length of the relationship

·        the nature and extent of their common residence

·        whether a sexual relationship exists

·        degree of financial dependence and support

·        ownership, use and acquisition of property

·        degree of mutual commitment to a shared life

·        the care and support of children

·        reputation and public aspects of the relationship

·        whether the relationship was registered in a State or Territory.