California's Domestic Partnership Registry

California has a domestic partnership registry, the first of its kind to be created without being required by a court. The domestic partnership registry was originally started to provide hospital visitation rights to same-sex couples but has gradually expanded over the years. Under a domestic partnership, same-sex couples and elderly couples who do not wish to marry share many of the legal rights and responsibilities of marriage.

Certain restrictions apply to domestic partnerships, similar to the restrictions placed on marriage. For example, to enter into a domestic partnership both people must share a common residence and neither one may be married or in another domestic relationship. The two people may not be related by blood in a way that would legally prevent them from being married in California. The people must also be at least 18 years old and members of the same-sex.

Alternatively, heterosexual couples may also apply for domestic partnership if one or both people are over the age of 62 and meet specific eligibility requirements set by the Social Security Act. Finally, both people must be able to consent to a domestic partnership before one may be entered into.

If you have questions about domestic partnership laws in the state of California, contact Claery & Green today to receive answers from a knowledgeable Los Angeles family lawyer who is well-versed in these specific laws.