Domestic Partnerships Attorneys in Folsom

Alternative Method to Marriage in California

A domestic partnership is the legal recognition of a partnership between two people who live together and maintain a domestic life together but are not married or in a civil union. Many domestic partnerships are same-sex couples or unmarried opposite sex couples.

Today, federal law grants same-sex couples the right to marry. Domestic partnerships – which were the only alternative to marriage afforded to same-sex couples – still exist today even with federal same-sex marriage laws.

If you are interested in establishing a domestic partnership or dissolving an existing one, work with the Law Office of Tiffany L. Andrews, P.C. Our domestic partnership attorneys in Folsom have a thorough understanding of the federal and state laws governing domestic partnerships and marriage. We can help you achieve your goals and navigate your case with ease.

Call (916) 794-4576 or complete our online contact form to request a consultation today.

Benefits of Domestic Partnerships

Today, in California, individuals in a domestic partnership receive the same benefits at the state level that married couples receive.

This means that domestic partners are entitled to benefits such as:

• Health insurance
• Guardianship
• Inheritance
• Bereavement
• Sick leave

Federal law, however, does not recognize domestic partnerships. This means that domestic partners will not receive the federal benefits given to married spouses.

Dissolving a Domestic Partnership

If you are currently in a domestic partnership that you wish to terminate, you will have to complete the dissolution process – either a summary dissolution (the simplest and fastest option) or a petition of dissolution.

Requirements for summary dissolution include:

• Both partners want to dissolve the legal relationship
• You have not been in the domestic partnership for more than five years
• You do not have any children together
• You do not own or rent property together
• You do not have more than $6000 in shared debt
• Neither partner is seeking support after the termination
• You have less than $41,000 in shared or separate property

If you do not qualify for summary dissolution, you will have to file a petition for dissolution, the process for which is similar to divorce.

Call the Law Office of Tiffany L. Andrews, P.C.

Whatever your needs may be – formation or dissolution of a domestic partnership – our attorneys can inform you of your rights and help you make smart decisions. Our domestic partnership lawyers in Folsom are eager to help you achieve your goals.

Call our firm at (916) 794-4576 today to learn more about domestic partnerships in Northern California.