For a same-sex relationship to be governed by South Australian law, it must come under the definition of a 'domestic partnership'. Domestic partnerships include same-sex relationships, opposite-sex relationships (but not marriages), and companion relationships. This section deals with same-sex relationships.

The definition of a domestic partnership for most areas of South Australian law is set out in the Family Relationships Act 1975. Under this Act, a same-sex adult couple will be in a 'domestic partnership' if they are in a 'close personal relationship' (that is, living together as a couple on a genuine domestic basis) where the partners have been together for at least three years, or during four years for periods totalling three years.

However, if the relationship was for less than three years, either of the former partners may seek a declaration from the Court that they were domestic partners, on the basis that they were living together in a close personal relationship and that the interests of justice require that a declaration be made. This application is made under the Family Relationships Act 1975, which sets out what the court must consider when making its decision. Note that this process cannot be used to enable an application to court to resolve a property dispute under the Domestic Partners Property Act 1996, which requires that the relationship must have existed for at least three years before an application to divide property can be made.

Domestic partnerships do not include situations where care is provided by one person to the other for fee or reward.

For most legal purposes, partners do not have to take any formal step to have the relationship recognised. Once the criteria are met, the relationship is recognised automatically. If there is doubt, the court can be asked to make a declaration as to whether two people were, on a given date, domestic partners.

For some legal purposes, a formal declaration from a court is required before the relationship can be recognised as a domestic partnership.

In addition to state laws, which only apply in South Australia, there are also Commonwealth (also called 'federal') laws, which apply throughout Australia. Previously same-sex relationships did not receive any recognition under Commonwealth law but changes have now been introduced to ensure that same-sex relationships receive equitable treatment in areas including taxation, superannuation, social security, health, aged care and employment. The majority of these laws come into effect on 1^st July 2009.

South Australia, unlike other States, has not referred its power over same-sex property law to the Commonwealth. Property disputes in same-sex relationships in South Australia are covered by State law (the Domestic Partners Property Act 1996).