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Domestic Partners & Domestic Partnerships in California
Although the State of California does not recognize same-sex marriages it does however give special rights to couples who register as domestic partners. Domestic partners are "two adults who have chosen to share one another's lives in an intimate and committed relationship of mutual caring." A California domestic partnership may have benefits such as the following:

• Hospital visitation, medical, legal, and financial decisions
• Adoptions
• Health insurance
• State disability and employment benefits
• Estate planning, wills, inheritance, and death benefits and rights

In order to have the benefits of a domestic partnership registration with the State of California is necessary. California will not recognize a domestic partner relationship unless a domestic partnership agreement has been satisfied and filed with the State. The domestic partnership agreement gives both partners legal rights and also determines the many legal and financial results in such cases where the domestic partnership dissolves. Although domestic partners cannot divorce under a domestic partnership agreement it is still a legal document that will determine the distribution of property and the care of any minor children in the even the domestic partnership dissolves.

To be domestic partners, partners must do the following:

• File a notarized Declaration of Domestic Partnership with the California Secretary of State
• Have a common residence
• Not be married or related by blood in a way that would prevent them from marrying
• Be at least 18; and
• Either be members of the same sex or one or both of them is over 62 and eligible for Social Security benefits

California law allowing for domestic partners to obtain dissolutions, legal separations and annulments is rather new. There are many things that are still ambiguous regarding property, custody and tax issues and implications in domestic partnership cases.

More About Domestic Partners & Domestic Partnerships in California
If you are forming a domestic partnership, ending a domestic partnership, or have issues related to child custody and visitation, support, property, and/or taxes you will want to consult a domestic partnership attorney who is experienced and knowledgeable on California domestic partnership laws and procedures. Having a general knowledge and awareness of domestic partnerships and with the help of an experienced family law attorney or divorce attorney, you can have greater assurance that you are doing what is necessary to protect your parental rights, parental responsibilities, and your relationship with your children. To present your case to Southern California divorce attorneys, divorce lawyers, and child custody attorneys in your area now, click here >>