Difference between De Facto and Commitment to a Shared Life on 47SP

[YankeeDoodle]

Hey everyone out there!

Just wanted to get everybody's thoughts on the difference between a defacto relationship and a commitment so a shared life.

On the 47SP form there are two questions that seem the same to me-

In Part G question 55 asked for the date my de facto relationship began.

But then question 58 ask "When did you and your finacee or partner commit to a shared life together to the exclusion of all others?"

What on earth is the difference? What do they even mean?

Did anyone else out there have trouble with this?

For me, this is especially confusing because my partner and I moved in together just a few weeks after we met. I met my partner in Melbourne before they moved to rural Tasmania for a sabbatical. So it was either move in or nothing. So I moved in in last May, though occasionally left to travel around Australia. I always lived at my partner's however. I did not live anywhere else. However, my partner and I agree- we "dated" while we lived together and then a few months later we both said, "Okay, it's official now. We're together for good."

But mapping that out still doesn't make clear the differences between when the de facto relationship started and when we committed to a shared life.

Or is a "de facto" relationship a legal term denoting when you have lived together for six months? What is the definition of a de facto relationship according to immigration?

How did you guys distinguish between the two in your relationships? I'd love to hear more!!

Cheers!

[downundervisa]

The Department uses this definition for couples in a de facto relationship:

- they have a mutual commitment to a shared life to the exclusion of all others

- the relationship between them is genuine and continuing

- they have been living together or have not been living separately and apart on a permanent basis.

[YankeeDoodle]

Huh? So you're saying the forms ask the same question twice?

A de facto relationship is the when you commit to shared life together, so they're one in the same. Therefore, the dates should be the same?

When did the de facto relationship start? Jan 1st.

When did you and your finacee or partner commit to a shared life together to the exclusion of all others? Jan 1st.

I'm even more confused that I was to begin with!!!

[nvoorst]

You could commit to a life together months, weeks or days before you actually start living together in a de-facto or married relationship.

[downundervisa]

Originally Posted by YankeeDoodle

I'm even more confused that I was to begin with!!!

I would suggest you engage the services of a Registered Migration Agent!

[YankeeDoodle]

nvoorst- I got it! Perfect explanation! Thank you.

downundervisa- No thanks. I don't think you really understood my original question, hence your answer not really clarifying anything. Nvoorst answered it perfectly. I'm all good now.