Significant Relationships

You can register a significant relationship if:

• the relationship is between two adults who have a relationship as a couple
• you are not married
• you are not related by family
• both parties live in Tasmania

How do I prove that I am in a significant relationship?

This can be done in a number of ways:

• A certificate issued by the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages is proof of the significant relationship.
  
  
• If the relationship is not registered the Relationships Act provides a number of factors which can, where relevant, be used to prove the existence of a significant relationship:

(a)  the duration of a relationship;
(b)  the nature and extent of common residence;
(c)  whether or not a sexual relationship exists;
(d)  the degree of financial dependence or interdependence, and any arrangements for financial support, between the parties;
(e)  the joint ownership, use and acquisition of property;
(f)  the degree of mutual commitment to a shared life;
(g)  the care and support of children;
(h)  the performance of household duties; and
(i)  the reputation and public aspects of the relationship.

It is not necessary to satisfy all of the above criteria to establish that a relationship is a significant relationship.  The court and other bodies who may need to be satisfied that a significant relationship exists between the parties will apply the relevant criteria on a case by case basis.  The courts (and other bodies) are not restricted to these factors in determining the existence of a relationship for the purposes of the Relationships Act.

The Relationships Act provides the Supreme Court with the power to conclusively determine whether or not a significant relationship exists or existed, regardless of whether either or both of the partners are deceased.