Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed January 16, 2019
This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.
The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. 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.
Even though marriage is the most common way for a couple to make a legal commitment to each other, there are some states that have alternatives to marriage, namely civil unions or domestic partnerships. Of course, prior to the legalization of same-sex marriage, these alternatives were the only option for same-sex couples. While same-sex couples are no longer barred from getting married, there are still certain places, including two cities in Arizona, where couples can choose to register as domestic partners instead of entering into a marriage.
Although certain states still have laws that prohibit same-sex marriage, the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Obergefell v. Hodges made it legal in every state. In Arizona, same-sex marriage was legalized in October 2014 by way of decisions in two cases: Connolly v. Jeanes and Majors v. Horne. Prior to these decisions, the state prohibited marriage between same-sex partners through a statute (since 1996) and a state constitutional amendment (added in 2008).
Arizona doesn't have state laws authorizing or recognizing a domestic partnership, but some Arizona cities do. The following table provides information about the cities in Arizona that have domestic partnership registries, and links to relevant websites.
| Statute(s) | No statewide statutes addressing domestic partnerships in Arizona. |
| Arizona Cities that Have Domestic Partnership Registries | The cities of Phoenix and Tucson* permit couples - both same-sex and opposite-sex - to register as domestic partners. *The "Tucson Domestic Partnership Ordinance" was later changed to the "Tucson Civil Union Ordinance." |
| Requirements to Register as Domestic Partners in Phoenix | In order to register as domestic partners in Phoenix, each individual in the couple:
The couple must also be in a committed relationship and share responsibility for each other's common welfare. |
| Requirements to Register as Civil Union Partners in Tucson | In order to register as civil union partners in Tucson, each individual in the couple:
The couple must also share a primary residence and be in a relationship of mutual support. |
| Related Statute(s) | Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 25:
|
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
For additional information and resources related to this topic, you can visit the links listed below.
Although same-sex marriage is now legal throughout the U.S., you may still want to learn about what a domestic partnership may offer. If you have questions about domestic partnership or same-sex marriage laws in Arizona, it's a good idea to speak with an experienced family law attorney in the area today.
Contact a qualified attorney.
Get tailored family law advice and ask a lawyer questions. Many attorneys offer free consultations.