Benefits of Domestic Partnerships

While there are many benefits in common that a domestic partnership shares with a marriage, there are a few important differences that you should be aware of when filing for a domestic partnership.

You must share a residence with your partner in order to be considered eligible for a domestic partnership. Both parties must be at least 18 years old to qualify. In the state of California couples who are seeking marriage have the option to file for a confidential marriage while those opting for a domestic partnership cannot. A confidential marriage is a legal course wherein the couple chooses to not have their marriage be on the public record, nor do they require witnesses to be present at the ceremony.  Spouses of state employees are automatically eligible for CalPERs, the state's long-term care insurance plan, while domestic partners are not.

There is currently legislation waiting to be passed called AB 2700 that would make the normally expensive and complex process of dissolving a domestic partnership easier. It passed the Assembly Judiciary Committee on April 13, the Appropriations Committee on the 21st, the full assembly on May 6, and the Senate Judiciary Committee on June 22. The final step will be for AB 2700 to pass the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Have questions about domestic partnerships?  Contact Claery & Green today to speak with a Los Angeles family lawyer.