How does a de facto family differ from a married couple?

A de facto family is defined by the living arrangement and relationship of two people who are not legally married but live together in a domestic partnership that resembles a marriage. One significant differentiator is that, in many jurisdictions, a de facto couple must demonstrate a committed relationship that often includes cohabitation for a specified duration, commonly around one year, to gain legal recognition or benefits associated with their relationship.

The correct choice highlights this requirement of cohabitation, which is important in establishing the legitimacy and recognition of the relationship as akin to that of a married couple in various legal contexts. This contrasts with other aspects of family law that apply to married couples, who do not face a requirement for a specific cohabitation period to validate their marital status.

The other options do not accurately reflect how a de facto family operates according to legal frameworks. For example, legal marriage is not a prerequisite for having children, as couples in a de facto relationship can certainly have children together. Furthermore, the ability to adopt children can vary by jurisdiction, but many places allow de facto couples to adopt, typically requiring them to meet certain criteria.