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Learn the Truth About Domestic Partnership

Learn the Truth About Domestic PartnershipDomestic
partnerships are relationships between two partners that are not married. The
couple can consist of same sex or opposite sex partners. In domestic
partnership, the couple co-habitats without any other legal recognition of
their relationship. In some cases, the couple lives together and has taken part
in a domestic partnership agreement. 



Domestic partnership agreements are not
legally recognized in many states. In Fact,  domestic partnership laws
vary greatly and there is no clear definition for a domestic partnership
agreement or for what is allowed to be included. In fact, the rights and
benefits included in a domestic partnership agreement will vary in each state. 


In some cases, couples are entitled to many of the rights and responsibilities
associated with marriage and in other cases they are not. Domestic partnership
agreements are generally considered to be similar to common law marriage and
usually include the rights conferred in a legal marriage.

Domestic partnership laws can vary greatly in each state. In fact, some states
do not legally recognize same sex relationships in any form. In those states,
same sex couples are not entitled to any of the rights normally reserved for
marriages between opposite sex couples. 


Domestic partnership agreements are
utilized to protect each individuals contribution to the relationship and to
protect individual and shared, property and assets. The first legal domestic
partnership agreement was proposed in California in the late seventies. Due to
the proposal, domestic partnership was legally defined and put into action in
Berkeley, California. In fact, California was at the forefront of legally
recognizing same sex relationships. 


However, the federal government enacted the
Defense of Marriage Act, which means that the federal government only legally
recognizes opposite sex relationships. Therefore, domestic partners are not
entitled to any federal benefits that are normally associated with marriage.
Federal rights include pensions, tax breaks and issues related to legal
immigration for no resident partners.

Domestic partnerships agreements generally confer certain rights and
responsibilities to partners. For instance, Couples may be able to inherit
property in the absence of a will. In addition, couples are entitled to a
portion of that property and other assets, should they split up. 


Domestic
partnership laws are in place to protect each individuals contributions to a
relationship. In fact, some states allow partners to collect separation 
maintenance if they separate. Couples may also be entitled to shared health
benefits in some states.

Domestic partnership laws that allow for legal recognition of certain rights
associated with same sex relationships, are in place in 9 states. Couples that
reside in states without legal recognition of their relationship, are not
entitled to any of the rights and responsibilities associated with marriage. 



In
some cases, domestic partnership laws are in place to forbid a legal
recognition of a same sex relationship. However, many states are starting to
pass laws that offer some recognition of  the rights of same sex couples.