The below passage was lifted from a blog on the Polyamory Australia website. I wonder what this means for Polyamorous relationships? Is the Government really catching up?
"What is a de facto relationship?
Under section 13A of the Interpretation Act (1984), a de facto relationship is defined as “a relationship (other than a legal marriage) between 2 persons who live together in a marriage-like relationship”.
In deciding what constitute a “marriage-like relationship”, the Court may look at the following factors:-
the length of the relationship between the parties;
whether the parties have lived in the same residence;
the nature and extent of common residence;
whether there is, or has been, a sexual relationship between them;
the degree of financial dependence or interdependence, and any arrangements for financial support, between them;
the ownership, use and acquisition of their property (including property they own individually);
the degree of mutual commitment by them to a shared life;
whether they care for and support children; and
the reputation and public aspects, of the relationship between them (ie. how their relationship is perceived by others, do their friends and family see them as being a couple?).
It does not matter whether it is a heterosexual or homosexual relationship, or whether either of the partners is legally married to someone else or in another de facto relationship."
Quoted from a document by Butlers Barristers & Solicitors. (www.butlers.com.au)
