Have you ever wondered with your Aussie partner where you can find an application to register a relationship? In Australia, a de facto relationship is a relationship between two people who are not married or in a registered relationship. However, it’s important to note that these couples cohabit on a genuine domestic basis. Think of it as a committed partnership akin to marriage, just without the legal ceremony.
Application to Register a Relationship: Notable Benefits
Registering your de facto relationship in Australia brings several advantages, from legal recognition to emotional security. Here’s a detailed look at these benefits:
Peace of Mind and Clarity
- Formalising Commitment: Acknowledges and strengthens your bond.
- Avoiding Disputes: Helps prevent legal battles over property and finances.
- Clear Communication: Facilitates discussions about future plans and expectations.
Enhanced Legal Protection
- Property and Inheritance Rights: Similar legal grounds as married couples for property and inheritance.
- Superannuation and Tax Benefits: Eligibility for your partner’s superannuation and potential tax advantages.
- Visa Sponsorship and Domestic Violence Protection: Easier visa sponsorship and legal protection similar to married couples.
Access to Government Benefits and Services
- Centrelink Payments: Potential eligibility for government benefits.
- Hospital and Next-of-Kin Rights: Rights to visit and make decisions in medical situations.
Simplifying Administrative Tasks
- Joint Financial Products: Easier to manage joint bank accounts, loans, and insurance.
- Travel and Immigration: Facilitates travel and immigration processes as a couple.
Building a Stronger Foundation
- Public Recognition: Strengthens social support by acknowledging your relationship.
- Setting a Positive Example: Encourages commitment and communication in relationships.
Application to Register a Relationship: Making It Official
Living together in NSW and ready to take your commitment to the next level? Registering your de facto relationship with the NSW government offers legal recognition and a range of benefits for both partners. Here’s everything you need to know about the requirements:
Eligibility:
- One partner must live in NSW.
- Both partners must be over 18 and not married or in another registered relationship.
- You must not be related by family and not in a relationship with another person.
Documents needed:
- Contact Information: Provide current email addresses and personal contact details for both partners.
- Proof of Identity: Upload scanned copies of three acceptable identity documents for each partner. This may include an Australian birth certificate or a New Zealand citizenship certificate
- Statutory Declaration: Download and complete a statutory declaration for each partner, witnessed by an authorised person and include their details.
- Proof of Address (NSW resident): If one partner lives in NSW, upload a document confirming their residential address (e.g., recent utility account bill).
- Payment: Have a valid credit card ready to pay the application fee.
How to Apply
Relationship registration application form: Application to register a relationship (nsw.gov.au)
1. Check Your Eligibility: First and foremost, make sure you meet the criteria, such as both being over 18 and residing in NSW. This step is crucial as it lays the foundation for the application process.
2. Gather Documents: Have your IDs, statutory declarations, and proof of address ready to scan.
3. Start the Online Application: Click the “Apply online” button and enter your details.
You’ll receive an email with an Online Reference Number (ORN).
4. Complete the Form Together: Subsequently, both partners should follow the prompts to fill in information and upload documents, ensuring that all details are accurately captured.
5. Decide on Extras (Optional): Choose if you’d like a relationship ceremony or commemorative certificates.
6. Confirm and Pay: Review your selections, confirm your order, and make the payment.
7. Celebrate Your Recognition: Once you’ve completed the process, both of you will receive confirmation emails, thus signifying that your relationship is now officially recognised. Furthermore, as a special commemoration, you have the option to order a bespoke commemorative certificate design alongside the standard relationship certificate.
Alternative option: Download the application form and submit it by mail or service centre if online application isn’t feasible.
Remember:
- Applications for registered relationships can be saved and resumed for 14 days.
- Fees vary depending on chosen ceremony and certificates.
- Proof of identity and address documents are required.
- Taking the step to register your de facto relationship in NSW can bring significant legal, financial, and emotional benefits. Get started today and enjoy the peace of mind of a recognised and protected partnership.
How Can We Help With Relationship Disputes?
For instance, after a couple has successfully registered their relationship online, they might face unforeseen challenges. In such cases, family lawyers become invaluable, offering support and guidance through various de facto relationship issues, whether before, during, or after their partnership.
Here’s how their expertise can be invaluable:
Before separation, it’s wise to consider:
- Cohabitation agreements: Initially, drafting cohabitation agreements can be a proactive step. These documents detail financial arrangements, property division, and responsibilities, aiming to prevent complications before they arise.
- Financial advice: Assessing financial situations, advising on asset protection, and ensuring fair financial arrangements.
- Legal guidance: Clarifying the legal rights and obligations of de facto partners under relevant laws.
- Mediation: Facilitating discussions and negotiations to resolve disputes amicably, potentially avoiding court proceedings.
During separation, the situation often becomes more complex:
Property settlement: Negotiating and advising on equitable property division based on contributions and needs.
- Child custody and child support: Representing individuals in child custody arrangements and child support negotiations or court proceedings.
- Domestic violence: Obtaining restraining orders, advocating for legal protection, and providing emotional support.
Financial arrangements: Negotiating spousal maintenance, advising on financial settlements, and protecting financial interests.
After separation:
- Formalising agreements: Drafting and finalising court orders or consent orders to ensure legally binding agreements on property, child custody, and support.
- Tax implications: Advising on the potential tax consequences of separation and property division.
- Estate planning: Updating Wills and superannuation beneficiaries to reflect changes in relationship status.
- Ongoing legal support: Providing ongoing legal advice and representation if needed in the future.
Are you experiencing relationship disputes or afraid that they may arise if the relationship breaks? JB Solicitors can help with various family law cases for married and de facto partners. Contact us today so we can help with your specific case.
