Registered Domestic Partnerships and Dissolutions

Domestic Partnerships

In California, a domestic partnership is a legal relationship between a couple of the same sex or a couple of the opposite sex when one or both partners are over the age of 62.

For some time, persons involved in domestic partnerships in California enjoyed very few rights that most married couples take for granted. They could not enjoy the benefits of sharing health insurance plans, making healthcare decisions for each other in circumstances involving an emergency, suing for wrongful death of a partner, access to pension benefits or rights concerning wills, conservatorships and trusts. Hospital visitation privileges were among the few rights allowed to them.

In 2005, the California legislature passed laws granting domestic partnerships many of the same rights that married couples have. When a couple shares their lives with each other, society offers certain protections that help them to maintain their quality of life. At the Law Offices of Paula Teske, our attorneys can assist couples in understanding their rights and eligibility requirements to register a domestic partnership. We also help them to decide whether a domestic partnership would be in their best interest, weighing the advantages and disadvantages based on their unique situation. There are many factors to consider, and we offer our clients sound legal advice so they can make the best choices.

Domestic Partnership Dissolution

Legal proceedings for dissolving a domestic partnership are very similar to dissolving a marriage. Most cases must go through a court dissolution proceeding. However, there are situations when a court proceeding may not be necessary – such as when the relationship is uncomplicated by minimum debts, assets and real estate, there are no children, a registered relationship existed for five years or less, the couple is waiving rights to support and the couple has reached an agreement on division of assets, debt and property.

Whether your wishes to dissolve your partnership seem complex or simple, it is always a good idea to consult an attorney that is experienced in domestic partnership dissolutions to make sure your rights are protected. Unpleasant future surprises are not something anyone wants to encounter. So that you arrive at the right decisions, seeking legal counsel is time well spent and will often bring you peace of mind.

At the Law Office of Paula Teske, we will be glad to arrange a consultation to discuss your questions or concerns about registering a domestic partnership or dissolving one. Please send us an email or phone our office at 310-391-6800.