Domestic partnerships include opposite-sex relationships, same-sex relationships, and companion relationships. 

A 'domestic partnership' is two adults living together as a couple on a genuine domestic basis who have been living together for at least three years, or have had a child together.  

If there is a separation there are a number of factors which a court would consider in determining whether a couple were living together on a genuine domestic basis for the purposes of a property settlement.  It is not merely a matter of whether the parties had sexual relations.

If the parties do not agree about a division of property they can make an application in a State Court to have the dispute resolved. Although it is envisaged that there may be legislative changes the Family Courts do not usually hear  property dispute regarding Domestic Partners. To seek such an order in a South Australian Court the  parties must have lived in South Australia for the whole, or a substantial part of the period of cohabitation.  Our family lawyers also deal with domestic partnership matters.

Read more

• De Facto Relationships and Domestic Partners
• Domestic Partners Property
  

Useful links

• Domestic Partners Property Act
• Family Courts
  

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Our Lawyers 

• Joanne Collie
• Jane Moore