Fort Collins Domestic Partnership Lawyer
Fort Collins Domestic Partnership Lawyer
Fort Collins Domestic Partnership Attorney
Modern families come in many forms, and registering as domestic partners is a beneficial alternative for Colorado couples who want to establish a legally committed relationship without a traditional marriage. Domestic partnerships were first created in the 1980s for same-sex couples seeking legal recognition of their relationships so they could enjoy the same type of benefits that are afforded to heterosexual couples by marriage.
In 2015, with Obergefell vs. Hodges, the US Supreme Court declared that same-sex couples should have access to the same marriage rights as opposite-sex couples. While many cohabitating same-sex couples have taken advantage of this change and decided to marry, others continue to prefer domestic partnerships, and this type of arrangement is now common for heterosexual couples, as well.
If you are considering entering a domestic partnership, contact the Fort Collins domestic partnership lawyers at Johnson Law Group to discuss if this is the right option for you. We offer free consultations.
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domestic partnership FAQs
Is Domestic Partnership Legal in Colorado?
Domestic partnership is legal in Colorado, but receiving the rights and protections of this arrangement requires formally registering this partnership with the state. The steps of this process are outlined above.
Who qualifies as a domestic partner?
Two individuals of any gender can register a domestic partnership in Colorado by signing an affidavit swearing that they are both:
- At least 18 years of age
- Competent to sign a legal contract, meaning they fully understand the meaning and effects of the contract and their legal rights and responsibilities upon signing
- In a mutually supportive, caring, and committed relationship
- Intending to remain in such a relationship
- Sharing a common household
- Not married, in an existing domestic partnership, or in an existing civil union
- Not related by blood or adoption to a degree that would prohibit marriage in the state
Is a Domestic Partnership the Same as a Civil Union?
In Colorado, domestic partnerships and civil unions both provide legal protections to couples at the state level, and neither are recognized by the federal government, but these are two different types of legal arrangements. Domestic partners retain limited rights, such as receiving a partner’s pension or sharing their health insurance coverage, while civil unions are treated as marriages by state courts, allowing couples to enjoy nearly all the same rights and benefits as a married couple.
Are Domestic Partner Benefits Mandatory in Colorado?
Companies are not required by federal law to extend benefits to domestic partners if they offer coverage to married spouses, but certain states and municipalities do mandate that employers offer coverage to unmarried couples. The cities of Boulder and Denver allow domestic partnership registration and extend benefits to registered domestic partners.
Entering Domestic Partnerships
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you enter a domestic partnership by registering as domestic partners with the state of Colorado. Complete a Domestic Partnership Application, then make an appointment with the clerk at your local County Registrar’s Office. You must both appear to submit your application, supporting documentation, and $25 registration fee. You must both provide valid picture identification (i.e., driver’s license, passport, or military ID) and proof that you share the same address (i.e., joint mortgage, lease agreement, joint checking account, or utility bills addressed to each individual at the same address).
The clerk will record the information from your registration in their database and issue two copies of your domestic partnership certificate, one for you and your partner and the other to be kept on file at the county government offices. This database is part of public record, but you can request not to have your names and birthdates appear in the database.
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Genet T. Johnson
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Secure Expert Legal Counsel Today
If you and your significant other are interested in registering as domestic partners, you should consult a Fort Collins domestic partnership lawyer to obtain the best outcome. At Johnson Law Group, our attorneys understand the complexities of these relationships and can help you determine if this is the right option for your family. We can help you evaluate the advantages and drawbacks of a domestic partnership for your unique situation, assist you in preparing and filing all necessary paperwork to register as domestic partners, and create an estate plan that protects your interests.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.