More and more, governments recognize "domestic partnerships" between unmarried couples. This treats unmarried couples who live together like they were married. These couples then have many of the advantages government gives to married couples.

Government Registration

Unmarried couples can register with government agencies as domestic partnerships. Registering a partnership is like getting a marriage certificate. In some places, partners can get visitation rights to prisons and hospitals by registering. It may also allow them to own real estate jointly.

Some governments also give health care benefits to registered domestic partners. These benefits are the same as those given to the spouse of a government employee.

Domestic partnership registrations may be public records. Like marriages, births and deaths, the records can be searched by the public.

Employer Benefits

Many private employers offer domestic partnership benefits to employees. These may include:

  • Health care and other insurance eligibility
  • Family leave for illness or bereavement
  • Child care assistance
  • Pension benefits given to spouses of employees

Check your human resources department to find out what benefits are available to domestic partners.

Eligibility for Registration

Although requirements vary from one company to another, to be eligible you usually must prove:

  • You have lived together for a minimum period of time and intend to live together indefinitely
  • You are at least 18 years old and mentally competent
  • You're not so closely related by blood that marriage would be impossible under local marriage laws
  • You're not already married or in another domestic partnership
  • You have a committed relationship and are responsible for each other's living expenses

Most registrations must be witnessed and sworn under oath to be valid.

Tax Effects

It's a good idea to talk to an accountant about the tax consequences before applying for domestic partner benefits. They could surprise you. For example, let's say your domestic partner is not your dependent. You don't provide more than 50 percent of your domestic partner's support. Your domestic partner receives insurance benefits from your employer. You may end up paying state and federal taxes equal to the cash value of that insurance.

Ending Domestic Partnerships

Ending a domestic partnership is simple. You sign a document terminating the partnership. You notify your partner. The termination document will be a public record if the registration was.

Domestic partners usually share expenses. Ending the partnership also means ending the cost-sharing. You should inform your ex-partner's creditors you'll no longer be responsible for their bills. You should do so in writing.

Questions for Your Attorney

  • Can domestic partners be forced to testify against each other?
  • Can I legally marry someone without terminating a domestic partnership?
  • Do domestic partners have the same adoption rights as single or married persons?