{"id":351799,"date":"2016-04-04T11:02:35","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:02:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/family\/domestic-partnerships\/what-is-a-domestic-partnership.html"},"modified":"2026-07-07T13:56:00","modified_gmt":"2026-07-07T18:56:00","slug":"what-is-a-domestic-partnership","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/domestic-partnerships\/what-is-a-domestic-partnership.html","title":{"rendered":"What Is a Domestic Partnership?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What Is a Domestic Partnership?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Jade Yeban, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Aviana Cooper, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

A domestic partnership is not identical to\u00a0marriage, but it provides some of the same benefits. Some states refer to the institution as a “civil union.” But the definition of a domestic partnership or civil union varies from one city or state to the next.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Two people in a committed relationship often want to formalize their bond and gain certain legal rights. One way they can do this is by entering a domestic partnership. A domestic partnership is a legally recognized relationship that can offer many similar benefits as a marriage.<\/p>\n

Most domestic partners were in same-sex relationships before the Supreme Court’s 2015\u00a0Obergefell v. Hodges<\/i><\/a>\u00a0decision, especially if they lived in a state that banned same-sex marriage. But it is still an option in a few states for partners (same-sex couples or opposite-sex couples) who live together and share a common domestic life. However, some states and cities that offer the arrangement require that one of the individuals is at least 62 years old.<\/p>\n

The following is a general overview of domestic partnerships, focusing on registration and benefits.<\/p>\n

How To Register as Domestic Partners<\/h2>\n

To enter a registered domestic partnership, a couple must meet certain requirements. These requirements can vary by state law. Typically, both parties must be adults (usually 18 years of age or older) and not related by blood in a way that would prevent a marriage. They must live together (have a common residence) and be in a committed relationship.<\/p>\n

In many places, the couple must file a Declaration of Domestic Partnership with the Secretary of State or City Clerk. This is an official document that publicly declares their commitment to each other. In some states, like Oregon, Colorado, and Wisconsin, domestic partnerships are registered at the county level. Other states, like New Jersey, Hawaii, and Nevada, have their own specific domestic partnership laws.<\/p>\n

In the District of Columbia, residents seeking to\u00a0register as domestic partners<\/a>\u00a0must appear in person at the D.C. Department of Health. They must submit a single application and pay a fee. Also, they must provide documentation proving that they satisfy the registration requirements.<\/p>\n

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Need local legal help with a domestic partnership? Find an attorney near you<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Domestic Partner Benefits<\/h2>\n

A domestic partnership is a legal or personal relationship between two people who live together and share a common domestic life but are not married. People in domestic partnerships receive similar benefits to married couples. However, they don’t get all the benefits of marriage.<\/p>\n

Domestic partners are entitled to some of the legal benefits of marriage \u2013 but not all. The benefits of these types of unions\u00a0vary by state and jurisdiction<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Some of the common benefits of domestic partnership include:<\/p>\n