DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS

The domestic partnership laws of the California Family Code confer virtually every right and responsibility of traditional marriage on couples who register with the state as domestic partners. Because these rights and responsibilities are far-reaching and are meant to be permanent, anyone who considers entering a domestic partnership should seek a thorough explanation of the law and its consequences for their unique circumstances.

COMPLETE LEGAL SERVICES FOR FORMATION AND DISSOLUTION

The Law Offices of Steven E. Springer provides comprehensive family law services for individuals and couples who are forming or dissolving domestic partnerships. With more than 30 years of combined legal experience, our San Jose and Fremont, CA domestic partnership and dissolution attorneys are fully qualified to address your legal needs as you plan your future.

WHO CAN QUALIFY FOR A DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP?

To register as a domestic partner, the couple must meet these requirements:

• Neither person is married.

• Neither person is already a registered domestic partner in a partnership that has not been formally dissolved.

• The couple is not related by blood to a degree that would prevent them from marrying under California law.

• Each person is at least 18 years old or has parental consent and a court order permitting the partnership.

• Both persons are of the same sex, or they are of opposite sex and at least one is at least 62 years old.

ESTABLISHING PROTECTIONS AND ADVOCATING RIGHTS FOR CALIFORNIA DOMESTIC PARTNERS

The Law Offices of Steven E. Springer is committed to ensuring that our clients enter domestic partnerships fully aware and fully prepared. Just as spouses must thoroughly consider whether they need a marital agreement, prospective domestic partners should retain a family lawyer who can examine their complete financial picture to determine whether contractual protections are appropriate. Should partners decide to dissolve their partnership, they face a procedure very similar to a civil divorce, where they must reach a settlement regarding property division, support and the custody of any children for whom they share responsibility. Our family lawyers have extensive experience in divorce throughout the San Jose and Fremont areas, including uncontested divorce and disputes over alimony, property division and child custody. Our skill in these areas is readily transferable to domestic partnerships.