Domestic Partnership

Domestic partners are two adults who live together in a committed relationship but are not legally married. Domestic partnerships were created as an alternative to marriage before same-sex marriages were legalized at the federal level in 2015. Still, many couples choose a domestic partnership instead of a marriage for legal, financial, and personal reasons.

What is a domestic partnership?

A domestic partnership can be formed between couples who are in a committed relationship and share domestic responsibilities, whether the couple is same-sex or opposite-sex.

This arrangement is a formal legal designation in some states and grants rights similar to marriage—although, only at the state (and sometimes local) level. Depending on the city or state, domestic partners may be able to visit each other at the hospital, receive insurance benefits, share parental rights, and more.

To qualify, the couple cannot be in a marriage or domestic partnership with anyone else or be related by blood.

FAQs

Are domestic partnerships recognized in every state?

Since the federal government does not recognize or regulate domestic partnerships, their legal benefits can vary by state. Some states (CA, DC, ME, NV, OR, WA, NJ, MD, and WI) recognize domestic partnerships at the state level, but even the states that don't may have cities that honor them. The state of Texas, for example, does not recognize domestic partnerships, but the city of Austin and a few others do.

Are domestic partnerships legally binding?

A domestic partnership agreement is a legally binding contract much like a marriage. If you want to terminate the partnership, you can't just break up and go your separate ways—you have to file for dissolution and register the dissolution with the state. If one partner contests the termination, you may need to go to court.

What are the benefits of a domestic partnership?

In the cities and states where they are recognized, registered domestic partners are legally entitled to most of the same rights as married couples, including hospital visitation, insurance benefits, and parental rights. Depending on their income, some domestic partners even receive a tax benefit.

How do you provide proof of domestic partnership?

Sometimes employers, insurance companies, or other agencies require proof of domestic partnership. A joint bank account statement, shared lease, or a notarized domestic partnership agreement will typically suffice.