What constitutes a domestic partnership?

Answer 1

A domestic partnership consists of two individuals agreeing to live together as domestic partners. The arrangement can be informal, or the couple can execute a legally binding "domestic partnership agreement" (also known as a "living together agreement"), or the couple can formally register their domestic partnership with a local or state government.

Some local and state governments grant specific rights and protections to domestic partnerships if they are registered. Registration consists of appearing in person, paying a fee, presenting identification and signing a form.

Some employers will grant benefits to registered domestic partners. Some employers require only that the employee and his/her domestic partner submit a notarized affidavit of domestic partnership.

Characteristics of a domestic partnership vary, but they usually include these:

• Both domestic partners are unmarried.
• Neither partner has an undissolved domestic partnership with someone else.
• Both partners live together.
• Both partners share finances.
• Both partners are of legal age.
• The partners are not closely related by blood.