Same-sex couples recognised
New laws came into effect in South Australia on 1 June 2007. These laws give same-sex couples recognition in much the same way as opposite-sex defacto couples.
For example, gay and lesbian couples now have legal rights and duties in areas like property ownership, wills, next-of-kin, and disclosure of interest.
The law applies to same-sex couples who live together as a couple on a genuine domestic basis for 3 years or more.
If you are in a same-sex relationship and want to know more about how the new laws affect you, the Attorney-General's Department has produced a range of fact sheets, available below.
Further information
If you have any questions, contact the Legal Services Commission
Phone: 1300 366 424
TTY: 8363 3691
Downloads
Same-sex couples fact sheet - overview of new laws (pdf) (156 KB)
Same-sex couples fact sheet - partnership agreements (pdf) (895 KB)Same-sex couples fact sheet - parenting and children (pdf) (852 KB)Same-sex couples fact sheet - planning for incapacity (pdf) (965 KB)Same-sex couples fact sheet - separation (pdf) (977 KB)Same-sex couples fact sheet - when a partner dies (pdf) (935 KB)
Same-sex couples fact sheet - overview of new laws (text) (9 KB)
Same-sex couples fact sheet - partnership agreements (text) (2 KB)Same-sex couples fact sheet - parenting and children (text) (8 KB)Same-sex couples fact sheet - planning for incapacity (text) (3 KB)Same-sex couples fact sheet - separation (text) (3 KB)Same-sex couples fact sheet - when a partner dies (text) (3 KB)
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