Steps on How to Write a Partner Statutory Declaration

A partner statutory declaration is a legal document that’s used to support a Partner visa application in Australia. Basically, it’s a formal statement that affirms the genuineness of your relationship with your de facto partner or spouse. The case officer uses this document to evaluate the entirety of your relationship which makes it important to include the right details.

But how do you write a coherent partner statutory declaration? What are the details that you should include in the document? This guide will cover everything you need to know about successfully writing a partner statutory declaration by breaking down each section of the document in full detail.

Development of the relationship

This is where you outline the initial development of your relationship and how it all started. Some important details to cover are:

• How you and your partner met (e.g. mutual friends, family, social media, dating websites, etc.)
• The date that you and your partner started a conversation and what medium was used during that time (e.g. phone call, text message, in person, etc.)
• The place where you and your partner first met.
• How the relationship progressed and how long did it take before you and your partner entered a committed relationship.
• Significant events that lead up to the decision for both of you to enter into a committed relationship.
• How you and your partner came to the conclusion of living together.
• Events where you relied on each other for support or assistance, whether it be financial, emotional, or other matters.

Financial commitment

Sharing your financial workload together is an important detail to cover in a partner statutory declaration. Some details that you should include are:

• Savings account/joint account that both of you use regularly.
• Proof of business ownership/operating a business together.
• Having lease agreements for your business, residence, vehicles, etc.
• Granting financial benefits such as tagging your partner as a beneficiary in your insurance policy.
• How you share day-to-day household expenses.
• Detailing future financial goals (e.g. saving up to purchase a house, booking for an overseas trip, planning for a wedding, etc.
• Detailing joint purchases of significant assets (e.g. properties, household items, etc.)

Nature of the household

In this section, you want to detail any joint responsibilities on caring and supporting for your children as well as any living arrangements and housework responsibilities. Here are a few examples:

• How household chores are delegated (e.g. taking out the trash, cooking, cleaning, etc.)
• Responsibilities that you and your partner take up in looking after your children.
• Responsibilities aside from household chores (e.g. looking after pets, caring for relatives or the elderly.)

Social aspect of the relationship

This is where you outline the social status of you and your partner and include some aspects such as:

• Vacations and holidays you’ve enjoyed together.
• Significant social events that you and your partner have attended (e.g. baptisms, weddings, etc.)
• Mutual friends and family members that are aware of your relationship and have expressed utmost support for it.
• Cultural, social, or religious activities you’ve participated in or are participating in.

Nature of commitment

In this section, you describe in detail how committed you and your partner in the relationship. Some key information to include are:

• Your future plans for your family, career, goals, and residence once your de facto partner/spouse arrives in Australia.
• How you plan on adjusting to life in Australia and how will household responsibilities be delegated.
• Confirm that you and your partner are in a mutually exclusive relationship.

Referring to supporting documents

When writing a partner statutory declaration, it’s important to refer to your supporting documents to demonstrate the accuracy of your statements. This gives the case officer an impression of genuineness when evaluating the details that you’ve provided. The main benefits to referring to your supporting documents are:

• The case officer will have a better understanding of each aspect of your relationship.
• You are likely to increase your chances of getting approved for a Partner visa.
• You are confirming/reaffirming that the statements you made are true to the best of your abilities.

While including important details is key to writing an effective partner statutory declaration, how you write it will impact the entire document as a whole. Here are a couple of tips to keep in mind:

• Get straight to the facts. Address your point in a short and concise manner. This leaves little room for errors on your part while making it easier for the case officer to understand your statements.
• Only include relevant details and events that you believe is of utmost significance. No need to mention the names of your pet or what colour your vehicle is.
• Make sure to proofread the document before presenting it. Grammatical errors or misused words might convey a different image in the eyes of the case officer.
• Read the entire document and make sure the statements align with your supporting documents. Having conflicting statements between your statutory declaration and your supporting documents can negatively impact your chances of approval.
• Have a friend or family member proofread your draft and see if there are any improvements or changes you can make.

A partner statutory declaration plays an important role in supporting your Partner visa application. It serves as strong evidence of how genuine your relationship is and will influence the success of your visa application. Hopefully with this guide, you’ll be able to create a concise and well-written partner statutory declaration that will leave a positive impression on the case officer.