same sex relationships
marriage
Since 9 December 2017, same sex marriage has been legal in Australia, which also extends to recognition of international same sex marriages.
If same sex couples do not wish to get married but do wish to formalise their relationship to some degree, each state in Australia provide options to register the relationship as de facto.
property
Same sex couples have access to the Family Courts if they are in a de facto relationship or marriage, which includes making arrangements for property during and/or in the event of separation, distributing property in the event of separation; and claiming or arranging spousal maintenance, whereby one party to the relationship may need to provide financial support to the other for a period of time.
Click here for more information regarding a de facto relationship:
Click here for more information regarding financial and property arrangements:
parenting
Same sex parenting is legal in Australia and is possible in a number of ways for same sex couples. The most common way is through assisted reproductive technology, by either in vitro fertilisation or intrauterine insemination.
Click here for more information regarding parenting and children:
divorce
Married same sex couples are provided the right to obtain a divorce, if certain requirements are met (which are the same for any married couple).
Click here for more information regarding divorce: