Is a de facto relationship the same as a marriage?

In some areas of law, the Family Relationships Act 1975 definition does not apply and a relationship of any length will be recognised. In these cases, a de facto relationship is treated as a marriage. A de facto relationship is treated as a marriage for:

Legal Aid
pensions and benefits
getting a restraining order against a violent partner
court orders for care of children
child support
income tax deductions
adoption (both married and de facto partners must have been together for 5 years to be eligible to adopt).

In other areas of law, only de facto partners who come under the definition of a 'domestic partner' are entitled to the same rights as married persons. This is so where:

one partner dies without a will
there are compensation or superannuation claims arising from the death of a partner
a partner is ill and needs someone to make medical decisions for them
organ donation has been requested
stamp duty would otherwise be payable on certain transfers.

De facto relationships are treated differently from legal marriages when there are disputes over property.

De facto relationships are also treated differently from legal marriages in relation to reproductive technology. In order to be eligible for artificial fertilisation procedures, opposite-sex partners must have been cohabiting as husband and wife continuously for five years, or, during the immediately preceding six years, for periods aggregating at least five years.