California Domestic Partnerships
Domestic partnership is available to same-sex couples and heterosexual couples in which one person in the relationship is 62 years or older. The state established domestic partnerships so those couples who have chosen to share each other’s lives in an intimate and committed relationship of mutual caring could obtain rights and benefits similar to those awarded to married couples.
Other requirements for domestic partnership in California include:
- The couple must share a common residence
- Neither person in the relationship is married to someone else or is in a domestic partnership with someone else
- The couple cannot be related to each other by blood in a way that is illegal under state law
- Both people in the relationship are at least 18 years old
- Both people are capable of consenting to the partnership
In order to register for domestic partnership, a couple must file a Declaration of Domestic Partnership with the Secretary of State’s office. It is very important for all couples to register their domestic partnership with the STATE, as well as with the city or county in which they live. Failure to register with the state can affect their rights and benefits.
Like a marriage, a domestic partnership can be terminated. However, instead of filing for divorce, domestic partners will need to file a Notice of Termination of Domestic Partnership with the Secretary of State’s office. Six months after filing this notice, the domestic partnership will officially be terminated.
Riverside Family Law Attorney – Michael R. Young
This is just a basic overview of domestic partnerships in California. If you and your partner would like to register as domestic partners, I urge you to contact my office for assistance. There are many rules and regulations that apply, and I can ensure that you meet the state’s requirements and that you have filled out your legal paperwork correctly. As an experienced Riverside family law attorney, I have handled many domestic partnerships throughout my career, and have the legal knowledge and experience to answer your questions, address your concerns, and provide you with the representation you need file your Declaration of Domestic Partnership or Notice of Termination of Domestic Partnership.
To learn more about my services, as well as my qualifications, please do not hesitate to contact my Riverside family law firm or click here to fill out a free case evaluation!