How to get a Domestic Partnership
in California

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 $10 (if you mail it in.) If you choose to go in person to file than it will cost you $25.

So, our advice here at Gay-Marriage-Guide.Com is to save yourself $15 and file your domestic partnership in California here online. 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!

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