Domestic Partnerships
There is an another option... by getting a Domestic Partnership Agreement.
A Domestic Partnership is similar to a Marriage, as it includes many of the same rights and privileges in California law as a married couple has. (It is missing is the Federal and International rights and privileges.)
A Domestic Partnership Agreement requires one of our Notaries to sign and Notarize the document. Our licensed Notaries we can prepare the paperwork and submit it to the Secretary of State for you.
It is a fairly easy process. Below is our application to apply for a Domestic Partnership. We can prepare it, Notarize it and Submit it for you for $80. You both must have current government issued picture ID like a Drivers License, State ID card or US or Foreign Passport. You both must appear in person together with one of our notaries.
Fill out the application below to start the process.
Domestic Partnership ApplicationABOUT YOU & YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION
Definition
1. In California, a domestic partnership can be established by two individuals over the age of 18 of the same sex or opposite sex couples over the age of 62 who decide to live together in the same residence and share a household. Couples must file a declaration of domestic partnership to formalize the partnership. Neither partner can be legally married or in a domestic partnership with someone else, and the partners cannot be related by blood. Domestic partnership in California occurs when a couple, meeting the criteria, files a declaration of domestic partnership with the secretary of state in California. The requirements and provisions for a domestic partnership in California are outlined in the California Family Code, Section 297.
Function
2. It was made as an effort to provide both heterosexual over 62 and same-sex couples some but not all the same rights and protections as married spouses. These guidelines serve to protect partners from discrimination but fall far short. Legal marriage is far better.
Considerations
3. The formulation of a registered domestic partnership in California is a legal partnership. When a couple files the paperwork with the state, each partner becomes legally bound to the partnership, and if they wish to dissolve the partnership they must file a legal notice of termination with the secretary of state.
Benefits
4. California's secretary of state outlines the benefits and responsibilities of domestic partnership in Section 279(b). Some benefits include hospital visitation, the right to make medical decisions and access to family health insurance plans. Domestic partnerships are also subject to California community property laws.
Limitations
5. The federal government does not recognize domestic partners as legally married, and as a result, domestic partners from California cannot file joint federal tax returns as married couples. The majority of written materials from the state of California regarding domestic partnership encourage partners to consult with a legal professional regarding the specific financial and legal limitations of a registered domestic partnership.
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