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.