Property (Relationships) Act 1984

For the purposes of this Act, a de facto relationship is a relationship between two adult persons—

who live together as a couple, and

who are not married to one another or related by family.

In determining whether two persons are in a de facto relationship, all the circumstances of the relationship are to be taken into account, including such of the following matters as may be relevant in a particular case—

the duration of the relationship,

the nature and extent of common residence,

whether or not a sexual relationship exists,

the degree of financial dependence or interdependence, and any arrangements for financial support, between the parties,

the ownership, use and acquisition of property,

the degree of mutual commitment to a shared life,

the care and support of children,

the performance of household duties,

the reputation and public aspects of the relationship.

No finding in respect of any of the matters mentioned in subsection (2) (a)–(i), or in respect of any combination of them, is to be regarded as necessary for the existence of a de facto relationship, and a court determining whether such a relationship exists is entitled to have regard to such matters, and to attach such weight to any matter, as may seem appropriate to the court in the circumstances of the case.

Except as provided by section 6, a reference in this Act to a party to a de facto relationship includes a reference to a person who, whether before or after the commencement of this subsection, was a party to such a relationship.