Inter-04

How would anyone determine whether a couple is functioning as an economic and domestic unit?

The Adult Interdependent Relationships Act states that all the circumstances of the relationship must be looked at to see if it is indeed an adult interdependent relationship. The Act then goes on to state some factors that could be relevant, as follows:

• Whether the couple have a conjugal (sexual) relationship.
• How exclusive the relationship is, for example, do they each have conjugal relationships with others.
• How the couple habitually act and conduct themselves with regard to household activities and living arrangements. This might include matters such as whether they live together, share rooms, share chores.
• The extent to which the couple portray to others that they are an economic and domestic unit.
• The extent to which the couple formalize their legal obligations, intentions and responsibilities towards one another. This might include matters such as whether they have completed an adult interdependent partner agreement, or made provision for each other in their wills.
• The extent to which direct and indirect contributions have been made to each other or for their mutual well being. This might include items such as paymens into joint banking accounts, and providing health benefits for each other.
• The extent to which they are financially dependent on each other.
• How the couple might care and support any children.
• How the couple owns, uses or buys property.

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June 2003

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• Marriage

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