Legal Definitions - domestic partners

A domestic partnership refers to a legally recognized relationship between two individuals who commit to each other in a way that provides many of the same rights, benefits, and responsibilities as marriage, without formally marrying. This arrangement is typically established through a civil union or similar legal process at the state or local level.

People often choose domestic partnerships to gain legal protections and benefits for their relationship, either because they prefer not to marry or, historically, because they were legally prohibited from marrying. While the widespread legalization of same-sex marriage in 2015 significantly reduced the need for domestic partnerships as an alternative for same-sex couples, these partnerships continue to exist and serve various purposes for different individuals and employers.

Here are some examples illustrating how domestic partnerships work:

• Healthcare Benefits for Unmarried Partners: Sarah and Emily have been together for 15 years and are deeply committed, but they have always felt that traditional marriage isn't for them. Sarah's employer offers health insurance benefits to "domestic partners" of employees.

  This illustrates how: By registering as domestic partners with their local government, Sarah can add Emily to her employer-sponsored health insurance plan. This provides Emily with crucial health coverage, demonstrating how a domestic partnership can grant access to benefits typically reserved for married couples, allowing them to secure important protections for their relationship without entering into a formal marriage.

• Local Government Employee Benefits: David works for a city government that recognizes domestic partnerships for its employees. He lives with his long-term partner, Mark, and they share finances and a home, but they are not married.

  This illustrates how: David and Mark can register as domestic partners with the city. This allows Mark to receive benefits such as bereavement leave if David passes away, or access to certain city facilities at a reduced rate, mirroring the benefits available to spouses of city employees. This shows how a domestic partnership can grant specific legal and economic advantages at a local level, recognizing the commitment between partners.

• Property Rights and Inheritance Planning: Alex and Ben have been in a committed relationship for 30 years. They entered into a domestic partnership in their state many years ago, before same-sex marriage was legalized nationwide. They own a home together and have joint bank accounts.

  This illustrates how: Their domestic partnership provides a legal framework that helps ensure their rights regarding shared property and inheritance. For instance, if one partner were to pass away, the domestic partnership status could simplify the process of transferring assets or making medical decisions, offering protections similar to those a married couple would have. Even after same-sex marriage became an option, some couples choose to maintain their existing domestic partnership for continuity and specific legal purposes.