Potts and Provis

In *Potts and Provis*, heard by Judge Heffernan, the applicant sought declarations regarding the existence and duration of a de facto relationship with the respondent, and confirmation of their residency in South Australia during that period. The core of the dispute concerned the legal recognition of the relationship for the purposes of relevant legislation.

The court was required to determine whether a de facto relationship, as defined by the relevant legislation, existed between the parties. Further, it needed to ascertain the precise period during which this relationship subsisted and confirm the parties' place of residence throughout that time. These determinations were crucial for establishing the legal framework under which the parties' rights and obligations would be assessed.

Judge Heffernan found that a de facto relationship did indeed exist between the applicant and the respondent. The court declared that this relationship commenced in 2009 and concluded on 25 March 2014. Crucially, the court also determined that both parties were resident in South Australia at all material times, a finding that would likely have implications for the jurisdiction of the court and the application of South Australian law. The orders reflected these declarations.