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Domestic Partnership in California

How do you get one?


A Domestic Partnership in California has been allowed since 1999. The law has had a few changes to it and one came in September of 2003. This law was called "Domestic Partners Rights and Responsibilities Act of 2003" and it gave gay and lesbian couples most of the rights that heterosexual couples acquire when getting married. And I must tell you that getting your partnership registered is a cinch!

In order to get your domestic partnership started in California you must meet the following criteria:

  • Both partners are at least 18 years old
  • Both partners MUST live together
  • Neither partner can be married to someone else or be in a domestic partnership with someone else. If they were married or in a domestic partnership with someone it must be dissolved first!
  • Neither party can be related by blood
  • Both partners must be the same sex
  • And finally, both partners must be able to actually consent to the domestic partnership in California
  • If you meet all of the above requirements you are just a click away from getting your domestic partnership in California legalized.


    Why did I say it was only a click away? Well....because it is! The actual process for getting your partnership registered is actually just filling out a piece of paper and of course, paying for that piece of paper.

    Here are the necessary steps you must take to register:

    1) You must file a Declaration of Domestic Partnership form with the Secretary of State. THIS FORM MUST BE NOTARIZED!

    2) With that form you must include a check for $33 (if you mail it in.) If you choose to go in person to file than it will cost you $48.

    So, our advice here at Gay-Marriage-Guide.Com is to save yourself $15 and gas and print the form here to start the process for your domestic partnership in California.

    This saves you some money and makes life so much easier than fighting traffic to get down to the appropriate place to file the form! The state will provide you with a copy of your declaration and a Certificate of Registration of Domestic Partnership soon after you register. A cinch right? I told you.

    Congrats on your domestic partnership in California!!! That was an easy process. Soon, perhaps, you will be able to marry again and this time let's hope it will be here to stay!

    Don't forget to check out our California Gay Attorneys page to help you with all of the necessities that our federal government won't help you with because they haven't legalized gay marriage yet.

    Keep up to date with the gay marriage case pending in California's Supreme Court. We will keep you informed!



    Legal Disclaimer

    We here at Gay-Marriage-Guide.com provide this legal information as a service to the public. It is not to be considered legal advice. We make no claims that the information is complete nor current. Please seek legal counsel for complete, current legal advice.

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