Domestic Partnership Agreements in California
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Domestic partners have the same rights, protections, and obligations as married couples under California law. Therefore, your relationship may benefit from a domestic partnership agreement. In addition, same-sex couples can benefit from having expectations spelled out in a domestic partnership agreement.
With 25+ years of experience, Attorney Morris is qualified to handle your case. He is recognized by the State Bar of California as a Certified Family Law & Divorce Specialist and our firm is well-regarded by the surrounding legal community. In addition, we maintain a 10.0 Rating on AVVO, have been awarded by Super Lawyers® and have received a Top Attorney rating by Los Angeles Magazine.
Speak with a Glendora domestic partnership lawyer about your case today. Contact us to schedule a consultation!
What is a CA Domestic Partnership Agreement?
A domestic partnership agreement is a legal document that outlines certain parameters for two people who are not married, but are in a committed relationship and live together. You may want to enter into a domestic partnership agreement to ensure that you and your partner maintain your separate wealth and property in the event the relationship is terminated.
Domestic partnership agreements can be entered into before a relationship (similar to a pre-nuptial agreement) or entered into after a relationship has been established (similar to a post-nuptial agreement).
What Are the Requirements for a Domestic Partnership in California?
California has certain requirements for registered domestic partnerships, these requirements include:
- Both partners must be at least 18 years of age and capable of consenting to a domestic partnership
- Both partners must be a and living in the same residence
- Both partners must either both be registered as domestic partners with an office authorized by law in California, or both parties must have submitted a Declaration of Domestic Partnership form to the California Secretary of State
- Both partners must not be married to anyone else or in another domestic partnership with someone else
- Both partners must not have any shared financial obligations such as mortgages, loan payments, etc.
- Both partners must agree to provide mutual economic support through contributions to the cost of living expenses
- Both parties must sign a written agreement acknowledging their understanding and acceptance of all terms and conditions associated with the domestic partnership
Do Domestic Partners Have to File Taxes Together in California?
In California, domestic partners do not have to file taxes jointly. As long as both domestic partners meet the qualifications outlined in the state registered domestic partnership laws, they are considered separate individuals for tax purposes and can file their taxes separately. Each partner can claim any deductions or credits that apply to them individually on their own tax return. California does not have any specific rules regarding how income is divided among domestic partners and it is up to each couple to negotiate who claims what on their taxes.
How We Can Help with a Domestic Partnership Agreement
Domestic partnership agreements can be tailored to meet your specific needs. For example, if you and your partner want to enter into a domestic partnership agreement to ensure the relationship is going to work out, you can set terms in the agreement that can change with time.
We can assist couples with a domestic partnership agreement, including the following:
- Drafting a domestic partnership agreement
- Reviewing a domestic partnership agreement
- Litigating issues arising out of a domestic partnership agreement
We also handle domestic partnership adoptions whether it is a joint adoption, adoption of a partner’s child or through surrogacy.
Speak with a Same Sex Couples Attorney in Glendora!
For additional information about domestic partner rights in California or about domestic partnership agreements, please schedule a confidential consultation by calling us at (626) 587-2677. Our firm can provide you with experienced advice and representation.