Which family members does the Act protect?

The definition of family members for the purposes of the Act includes people who

• are or have been married to each other, or
• are or have been adult interdependent partners of each another, or
• live together or once lived together in an intimate relationship, or
• have had children together regardless of whether they have ever lived together or been married, or
• are the children in the care and custody of anyone in the categories above.

The definition of family member also includes people who are related to each other by blood, marriage or adoption, or by an adult interdependent relationship. This would include adult children and seniors. For example, it would include a mother or father-in-law and adult children. A further group included are those who live together where one person has care and custody over the other pursuant to a court order. This would include, for example, those subject to an order of legal guardianship.

Same-sex couples are not specifically referred to as being within the definition of "family member". However, individuals who are homosexual are protected in the same way as any other individual. That is, the Act will apply if they are related by blood, marriage or adoption.

---

WARNING: The contents of these FAQs are intended as general legal information only.
If you have a personal problem, please consult a lawyer.