Mixed-sex couples
Registering a Deed of Relationship has many benefits for unmarried mixed-sex (heterosexual) couples.
While unmarried mixed-sex couples do not experience the depth of prejudice often directed at same-sex couples, their relationships are still sometimes ignored or seen as second-rate.
Registration offers unmarried mixed-sex couples with an opportunity to prove their relationship status if and when this is challenged.
This challenge may come from the authorities, members of the public, or from family members. It may arise when trying to access services, insurance or during a medical emergency.
In all these circumstances having a Deed of Relationship can prove immensely valuable.
The other obvious advantage that flows to registered mixed-sex couples is in the area of parenting.
These couples may access all the same rights as married couples in areas like adoption and presumption of parenthood without the need to marry.
Many mixed-sex couples are not married because they do not wish to be a part of an institution which they associate with out-dated ideas about relationships.
This is where the Tasmanian relationships registry can be useful in providing mixed-sex couples with an alternative way of certifying their relationship that has none of traditional cultural associations that come with matrimony.
While some same-sex couples take advantage of the Tasmanian relationship registry because it gives them long-denied social approval, many mixed-sex couples register because it is has none of the connotations of marriage.
The Tasmanian relationship registry is flexible enough to accommodate the needs of many different couples.
