How to register your relationship in Australia
In Australia, registering your relationship is an important legal step to take if you are living in a committed couple relationship. You and your partner (including same sex partner) may register your relationship with the relevant authority in your state or territory, upon providing all necessary information. This will provide recognition that you are living as a committed couple, and ensure both of your rights are protected under the law. Registration of relationship also can boost your partner visa application on a de facto basis.
Registering your relationship in Australia is a straightforward process best initiated at the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in your local state or territory. This requires a range of documents such as certified copies of birth certificates, photographic proof of identity, and evidence to show you are both single persons not already registered elsewhere. Once you register your relationship, it will be recorded in a register of relationships and can be used to help prove the existence of your relationship for government, legal, financial and personal purposes.
To register your relationship under the law you must meet some general criteria, such as both of you being over the age of 18 or older. Other qualifications include both partners living together in Australia and not having a previously registered relationship with another person. After confirming that you fit the registration criteria, you can register your relationship online or through forms at your local register office. Additionally, once registered, any changes made to your relationship in the future are required to be formally notified for the register by updating details on file.
In Australia, de facto relationships need to be registered in order for partners to take advantage of the legal privileges associated with them. If you have been living together, registering your de facto relationship is a simple process that is done through the Family Court of Australia or the relevant government body in your state. This registration will provide protections and access to certain rights such as tax benefits, superannuation splitting, property division and more. The process ensures that de facto couples have their rights upheld in the same way as married couples and is an important step to ensure all relationships are respected regardless of their gender or marital status. It is an important step in any de facto relationship and requires much thought and consideration before proceeding.
Please note that currently Northern Territory and Western Australia do not register de facto relationships.
Registering your spouse relationship is also a simple process. To begin with, you will need to provide evidence including your birth certificate and the other partner's birth or citizenship certificate, in addition to an authorized marriage certificate. You will be required to fill out an application form provided by Australian government as well as meet other necessary requirements in order to register the marriage. The application is then sent off along with any relevant documents or fees, and within approximately one month, you will receive confirmation that your relationship has been registered officially.
Registering a personal relationship is an easy and stress free way of protecting yourself and notifying people of your new status. It also increases the credibility of your claim of being in a genuine relationship with your partner, if you are applying for a partner visa. At Regal Migration we can guide you throughout the process.