About Domestic Partnerships
Domestic partnerships in California are available to opposite-sex couples, as established under California Family Code Section 297.1.
Eligibility Requirements
- Both partners must be at least 18 years old
- Not married or in another domestic partnership
- Not closely related by blood
- Share a common residence
- Mutually responsible for each other's welfare
Benefits
- Health insurance coverage
- Hospital visitation rights
- Tax benefits
- Inheritance rights
- Parental rights and responsibilities
How to Register
- Complete the Declaration of Confidential Domestic Partnership form (DP-1A)
- Both partners must sign the form in front of a notary public
- Submit the form with the required fee to the Secretary of State
- Receive your Certificate of Domestic Partnership
Important Notice
Domestic partnerships are legally binding. Termination requires filing a Notice of Termination of Domestic Partnership (Form DP-3) with the Secretary of State or through the court system.