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Domestic Partnerships Agreements

California Domestic Partnership Agreements Lawyer

Before you register as domestic partners under California law, your long-term relationship can benefit from developing a preregistration agreement. The family law attorneys at the Northern California Family Law Group can guide you through the process.

Domestic Partnership Agreements ∙ Preregistration Agreement
916-498-1240 ∙ E-Mail

A large part of our family law practice is focused on the legal issues faced by gay and lesbian couples. We can help you understand the laws affecting LGBT domestic partner registration and how they affect you and your partner:

  • Domestic partnership registration: You will find information about domestic partnership registration on the California Secretary of State's site.
  • Community property: In a preregistration domestic partnership agreement, you and your partner can decide to opt out of community property or enhance community property by adding in separate property. Whatever you decide, this can be an important discussion of your partnership goals.
  • Your rights as partners: What does a California domestic partnership mean? The law enacted in 2005 gives same-sex couples almost all of the same rights within the state of California as those of married couples. Be sure that you and your partner know those rights and agree on your rights and obligations to each other as well. Your attorney will be happy to offer legal advice and counsel.
  • Pre or postregistration agreements: If you have already registered as domestic partners but want to create a domestic partnership agreement, you can. At any point in a relationship, you and your partner can put your rights and obligations in writing.
  • Child support: Your child support obligations cannot be a part of a domestic partnership agreement. That is determined by law if there is a dissolution of the partnership.

At the Northern California Family Law Group, you can begin now to plan for the rest of your life. Our LGBT clients see our law firm as a safe place where they can find solutions to family law matters. Call for an appointment. $100 one-hour initial consultation.