Los Angeles Domestic Partnership Attorney

Choosing to share a life with another person is a huge commitment filled with personal and legal obligations. However, not every union is in the form of a marriage. Domestic partnerships are another way of joining two lives together in a meaningful way. Like marriages, these unions show a commitment between two people and an investment in one another. However, like marriages, a Los Angeles domestic partnership lawyer knows they can also end.

At The Dorie A. Rogers, APC, our team is committed to helping our clients who wish to either enter into a domestic partnership or dissolve one. There are many legal ramifications with both, starting and ending a domestic partnership which could have significant impacts on you. We work hard to ensure that you understand both the commitment to enter one and fight on your behalf should yours come to an end.

Practice Areas

Discuss Tax Implications And Domestic Partnership In Los Angeles With Our Same-Sex Couple Family Law Attorney

As an unmarried same-sex couple, you face specific tax implications. In California, domestic partners can file joint state taxes. However, you may not file federal taxes together. This means you may not benefit from federal tax deductions or certain tax credits.

call us

get a quote

Domestic Partnerships

When a couple in California chooses to register their domestic partnership, they are entering into a legal agreement that is much like a marriage. Through this union, they are committing to many of the same legal bindings as a marriage. Some of the benefits of a domestic partnership include:

Access to insurance through their partner, including health, vision, and dental.
Qualifying for sick leave that is reserved for family.
Holding life or accident policies on behalf of their partner.
Receiving benefits upon death.
Access to parental leave if you share a child.
Residence rights.

These are just a few of the many benefits that couples in a domestic partnership could receive. However, there are still differences between this partnership and a marriage. Unlike in a marriage, domestic partners do not have tax benefits, do not automatically qualify for the benefits of the other partner, and may not be able to make legal decisions on your behalf without a power of attorney.

Children of those in a domestic partnership can also benefit from this union. Whether having children on their own, adopting them, or if one partner already has children, in a domestic partnership children are eligible for the benefits of both partners. Understanding the full benefits your children may have under your partnership can help you ensure the decisions you and your partner make are in the interests of your family.

Dissolving a Domestic Partnership

Like marriages, domestic partnerships can come to an end. In the event that you and your partner decide to dissolve the agreement, you will face many of the same challenges as a couple who is facing divorce or separation. As partners, you build a shared life together, may have had children or adopted them, and you invest assets into growing the partnership. Upon the partnership dissolution, you will need to settle these matters just as in a divorce.

With our help, you will gain valuable representation that will help ensure your rights are protected and that you receive what you are entitled to. We can negotiate on your behalf as we work to settle matters of property and asset division, child support and custody, and all other matters necessary to finalize the end of your partnership. Settling these matters with your partner can be a difficult and emotional process, but with our help, we can ensure no detail is left out.

FAQs

Q: How Long Does It Take to Dissolve a California Domestic Partnership?

A: Once the process of dissolving a California domestic partnership begins, the process will take a minimum of six months. The process begins by filing a Petition for Dissolution of Domestic Partnership. Once filed, the other partner will be served a copy of the petition and then will have 30 days in which to respond. This process can be done through the Superior Court or through alternative dispute resolution options.

Q: How Do I Register a Domestic Partnership With the State of California?

A: Registering a domestic partnership should be done with the help of a Los Angeles family law lawyer. They can help guide you through the process of ensuring you file a Declaration of Domestic Partnership, which both you and your partner will need to submit to the secretary of state. Before you can enter into a domestic partnership, you will both need to ensure you meet the requirements to do so.

Q: What Are the Rights and Responsibilities of Registered Domestic Partners?

A: In the state of California, domestic partnerships that are properly registered share many of the rights and privileges of couples who are married. With these rights and privileges, they are also bound to similar obligations and duties to one another as spouses. An extensive list of benefits and privileges can be discussed with a qualified family law lawyer.

Q: Do You Need to Be California Residents to Register as Domestic Partners?

A: California does not have a minimum residency requirement before two people can submit a Declaration of Domestic Partnership. As long as the couple meets the minimum requirements to enter into the partnership, they may do so. This includes if one of the partners lives out of state. In this case, the partner living in a different state will need to submit the declaration with you and have that form notarized in the state where they reside.

Q: Does California Recognize a Domestic Partnership From Another State?

A: If you move to Los Angeles with a person whom you are already in a domestic partnership with, California will recognize its validity. Couples who are moving to California and have a domestic partnership from another state should speak with our team to understand what they may need to do in order to ensure their partnership is appropriately recognized.