If you are married, provide your marriage certificate or other evidence that your marriage is valid in Australia. If you are a de facto partner, provide proof of your de facto relationship.
This proof should show that:
- you have a mutual commitment with your spouse of de facto partner to the exclusion of all others
- your relationship is genuine and continuing
- you either live together or don't live permanently apart
- you are not related by family
Tell us in writing about:
- how, when and where you first met
- how the relationship developed
- when you moved in together, got engaged or married
- what you do together
- time you spent apart
- significant events in the relationship
- your plans for the future
Finances
Show us how you and your partner share financial matters. You could give us:
- joint mortgage or lease documents
- joint loan documents for major assets like homes, cars or major appliances
- joint bank account statements
- household bills in both names
Your household
Show us how you and your partner share domestic matters. You could give us:
- a statement about how you share housework
- household bills in both names
- mail or emails addressed to you both
- documents that show joint responsibility for children
- documents that prove your living arrangements
Social matters
Show us evidence that others know about your relationship, such as
- joint invitations or evidence you go out together
- proof you have friends in common
- proof you have told government, public or commercial bodies about your relationship
- proof you do joint sporting, cultural or social activities together
- proof you travel together
Commitment
Show us how you are committed to a long-term relationship with each other. You could give us:
- proof you have knowledge of each other’s background, family situation or other personal details. You could tell us this at an interview
- proof you have combined your personal matters
- the terms of your wills
- proof you stay in touch when apart