Defacto, same-sex and registered relationships

Defacto relationships

A defacto relationship describes a relationship between two people who are not married but who live together as a couple. The same laws apply to same-sex couples as heterosexual couples.

There’s no single legal definition of a defacto relationship as there are different requirements for different legal purposes.

Disputes about children

The same family law applies to disputes about children —whether you are married, or in a defacto relationship. See children and parenting.

Property disputes

If your defacto relationship (including same-sex relationships) ended on or after 1 March 2009 you may be able to apply for a property settlement under the Family Law Act if:

• you lived together as a couple for at least 2 years, or
• there is a child from the relationship, or
• you or your ex-partner made substantial contributions (financial or otherwise) to the relationship.

If you lived in Western Australia (WA) for part of your relationship, you should get legal advice. See dividing your property.

Same-sex relationships

A same-sex relationship is recognised as being between 2 people of the same sex.

Since 2002 same-sex couples have been recognised under the legal requirements for defacto relationships in Queensland. In 2008, the Australian Government removed discrimination against same sex couples and their children in areas such as:

• superannuation schemes
• social security
• veterans’ entitlements
• workplace relations
• workers’ compensation
• taxation
• health
• immigration
• citizenship.

In Queensland, same-sex couples are entitled to legal rights including dividing property.

Legal recognition

Same-sex couples can’t legally marry in Australia. Overseas marriages between same-sex couples aren’t recognised in Australia.

Same-sex relationships are recognised as defacto relationships for some legal purposes. Couples can jointly own property, and have the same rights to property settlement as other defacto couples in Queensland. Couples can leave property to each other in their will and can appoint each other in a power of attorney or statutory health authority.

A defacto couple (including same-sex couples) are considered spouses under laws about wills, which are called intestacy rules. See Wills and deceased estates.

Domestic violence protection orders are available to same-sex couples.

Same-sex couples can’t legally adopt a child but can be considered as foster carers.

Parenting

This information applies to birth mothers in Queensland who are in a same-sex relationship with a female defacto partner.

If they consent, the birth mother’s female defacto partner can be recognised as a parent if the couple’s child has been born using a fertilisation procedure, such as in vitro fertilisation.

On the child’s birth certificate the parents will be recorded as ‘mother’ and ‘parent’. If the birth was registered without the mother’s female defacto partner recorded as ‘parent’ they can then apply to correct the birth register to include the parent’s name through the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. You’ll have to pay a fee.

If the father was recorded on the child’s birth certificate then it can only be changed if there is a court order by the Supreme Court of Queensland. You should get legal advice.

Registered relationships

In Queensland, defacto couples can register their relationship. This can be done as a sign of commitment or for legal reasons. A registered relationship isn’t the same as a marriage.

For more information visit the Queensland Government website.

Do I need legal advice?

You may need legal advice if you’re in, or have been part of a defacto relationship and have questions about:

• property disputes with your ex-partner
• leaving property to your partner in your will
• domestic violence protection orders
• discrimination.