Commerce City Domestic Partnership Lawyer

Commerce City Domestic Partnership Attorney

Marriage is not always the right option for every couple. Some enter into domestic partnership agreements as an alternative to marriage. Domestic partnerships, also called civil unions, allow a couple to be legally recognized as a supportive, committed partnership. It does not have the same legal rights or requirements as marriage. Learning the difference between a Colorado domestic partnership and marriage is necessary when determining which works best for your relationship.

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Overboard: How to Avoid Sinking in Your Colorado Family Law Case

Written by Denver Family Law Attorney Myles S. Johnson

Divorce doesn’t have to be dramatic. For the litigants, losing your spouse is significant enough. But you can choose the way it affects your daily life. The only guarantee I can give is that the feeling that you have right now will not be the feeling you end with. This is a season in your life, and it must be approached that way.

This acclaimed book positions Johnson Law Group as a thought leader in Colorado family law, providing clients with the same proven strategies that have guided hundreds of families through successful outcomes.

What Is a Domestic Partnership?

A registered domestic partnership is a public record of a couple’s commitment to and support for each other while living together. Couples, regardless of gender, can register a domestic partnership in Colorado. Domestic partnerships do not have legal name changes like marriages, and they also have fewer legal or financial rights. Domestic partnerships do not have rights over inheritance, property, child custody, or other benefits the way that marriage does.

To register for a domestic partnership, both members of a couple must:

Be at least 18 years old.
Not be married or in an existing domestic partnership or civil union.
Able to understand and sign a contract with complete awareness.
Share a household and address.
Not be prohibited under state law from being married to each other.

Registering your relationship is a public record of your legal status. It also allows you to file state taxes together, among other benefits.

Why Do I Need a Domestic Partnership Attorney?

A domestic partnership does not offer the same legal protections as a marriage. Therefore, those registering a domestic partnership may want to gain those protections through different avenues. This includes, among other legal protections:

Married couples share their property. During a divorce, that property is divided equitably by the court. After a divorce, couples can also access each other’s retirement benefits.

Domestic partnerships do not have joint asset ownership, and the separation of assets can be more complex. You are also not entitled to retirement benefits. If you and your partner plan to register for a domestic partnership, consider a pre-partnership agreement. Like prenuptial agreements, this lets you determine what will happen to shared assets if the two of you separate. Without an agreement like this, dissolving a domestic partnership and separating assets and debts can be difficult and highly expensive.

An experienced family law attorney can help you and your partner work out a pre-partnership agreement. This can represent your best interests and address the unique assets and debts you each have.

What Rights Are the Same in Domestic Partnerships?

Marriages and domestic partnerships have some similar rights and benefits. This includes:

The ability to file joint state taxes
The right to legally privileged communication during the partnership
The right to receive each other’s pension and retirement benefits
The ability to file wrongful death claims for the other
The right to not be required to testify against each other while in a domestic partnership

What Rights Are Different in Domestic Partnerships?

Marriages have several rights and benefits that are not available for domestic partnerships. Some of these include:

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

domestic partnership

Can I Claim My Domestic Partner on My Taxes?

How Do I Declare a Domestic Partnership in Colorado?

Can I Put My Domestic Partner on My Health Insurance in Colorado?

How Do I Prove Domestic Partnership in Colorado?

How Can I Register a Domestic Partnership?

To register a domestic partnership with the state, you must make an appointment with the county registrar’s office or city clerk. Make your appointment far in advance, and set it for a day when both you and your partner can go to the office together and in person. You may need to fill out an application before you arrive for the appointment, depending on where you are registering. Additionally, you will need to bring:

Proof that the two of you share a household. This can be done by providing valid documents such as a lease agreement, joint mortgage, joint bank account, the address on each of your driver’s licenses, or separate utility bills.
Valid photo identification. This includes a driver’s license, passport, state ID, or military ID.
$25. This is for the registration fee.

The clerk will check that these documents are valid and take the registration fee. You and your partner will then sign an affidavit. You have then registered your domestic partnership and obtained legal recognition in Colorado.

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“Myles helped me resolve custody quickly and in a way that all parties were happy.”

Myles is very professional and well informed in his field. Cassidy their paralegal was also extremely helpful and client driven . 5 stars!

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Very professional, and caring. Everything was handled well, they listened to all my concerns, and responded in a timely manner. I would highly recommend using Johnson Law Group, they are amazing!

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He was responsive, efficient, and coordinated well with my wife’s attorney. Very happy with the final result.

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From the initial phone call I spoke to Myles Johnson, he gave great direction on how to proceed. Then acquiring the firm as my legal representation I worked with Said and he helped me step by step to get what I was looking for. I have already recommended two different individuals I know to Johnson Law Group and will be using them for all future situations. From the legal team to Cory at the front desk, everyone at the firm is top-notch.

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l appreciate all the help my attorney and paralegal has done for me in the best interest of my daughters future. They’re all most knowledgeable, caring law group! I couldn’t have done it without their genuine support on representing my case(s). I’m grateful for all they have done for my daughter and I.

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Registering and Protecting Your Domestic Partnership

Our Commerce City domestic partnership attorneys at Johnson Law Group, LLC, can help you navigate the registration and protection of your civil union.

Contact us today for a free consultation.

Commerce City Domestic Partnership Lawyer