Englewood Domestic Partnership Lawyer

Englewood Domestic Partnership Attorney

Not every couple wishes to get married. Some find that domestic partnerships, or civil unions, are a preferable alternative to marriage. A domestic partnership allows you to be legally recognized as such. Partners can commit to living together and supporting each other in a relationship without the legal requirements of marriage. If you are considering a domestic partnership, you first need to understand the rights afforded to marriages and partnerships.

Our experienced Englewood divorce lawyers can walk you through the process with compassionate support. Call (720) 776-9446 to schedule an initial consultation.

Englewood

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?

Domestic partnerships affirm you and your partner’s commitment to each other in a caring relationship. Any couple can form a domestic partnership, regardless of gender. Unlike marriages, domestic partnerships do not have legal name changes. They also do not have legal and financial rights such as those over:

Property
Inheritance
Child custody
Child support

A couple must meet certain requirements to form a domestic partnership, which are:

Each is at least 18 years of age.
Each is able and competent to sign a contract.
Neither are married or in an existing domestic partnership.
They are not prohibited from marrying under state law.
They share a common household.

Entering into a domestic partnership allows you to make a public record of your relationship and your commitment to each other.

Why Do I Need a Domestic Partnership Attorney?

Domestic partnerships do not provide as many legal protections for partners. For this reason, protections must be found through other legal means, including:

Wills and trusts
Dissolution agreements
Powers of attorney
Pre-partnership agreements

Domestic partnerships do not provide joint property ownership. If you separate, this can make dividing assets more difficult. Separated partners are also not entitled to retirement benefits. Pre-partnership agreements, like prenuptial agreements, allow you and your domestic pattern to determine what will be done with assets, debts, and property if a separation occurs. Otherwise, separation could be complex and expensive. A domestic partnership attorney can help you determine what is necessary for your partnership.

Domestic Partnership Rights Compared to Marriage

Similarly to a marriage, registered domestic partners can:

File joint state taxes.
Have legally privileged communication.
Receive each other’s pension.
File for wrongful death claims.
Not be required to testify against each other while in a partnership.

There are several rights that marriages enjoy that domestic partnerships do not. These include:

Joint Assets

Domestic partnerships do not grant you joint asset ownership. In a marriage, assets, debts, and property are divided equally if a couple separates. Divorced spouses also have access to each other’s retirement benefits, while domestic partners do not unless the other is named a beneficiary. Domestic partnerships must either create a pre-partnership agreement or go through a partition case. A partition case will sell all your joint property and allow you to split the proceeds.

Legal Recognition

Domestic partnerships are only recognized in some states, and you are not federally recognized as spouses. If you leave this state, you may lose your benefits.

Legal Family Status

Unlike marriages, a domestic partnership does not consider the couple to be family members. This can cause issues with child custody, work-related health insurance, and inheritance and inheritance taxes.

Immigration

A domestic partnership does not enable you to file a petition to change your partner’s immigration status.

frequently asked questions

Domestic partnership

Can You File Jointly With a Domestic Partnership?

How Long Does It Take to Get a Domestic Partnership in Colorado?

Does the State of Colorado Recognize Domestic Partners?

What are the requirements for a domestic partnership in Colorado?

Registering Your Domestic Partnership

To begin a domestic partnership, you must register with the state of Colorado. This can be done at the city clerk’s office or the country registrar’s office. You can call or email to make an appointment where you and your partner can both appear in person. Some offices have a domestic partnership application to complete and bring with you when you arrive for the appointment. You will also need:

Valid photo ID, such as a state ID, military ID, driver’s license, or passport
Proof that you and your partner live together. These can include valid documents like phone or utility bills sent to each of you at the same address, a lease agreement, a joint mortgage, or the address on your driver’s license.
Payment for the $25 registration fee

Once these documents are verified and the registration fee is paid, you both sign an affidavit. This gives your domestic partnership legal recognition.

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We never lose sight of the fact that divorce and other household conflicts can feel overwhelming. Our family lawyers will answer all of your questions to ease your burden in this difficult time.

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Hear From Our Happy Clients

At Johnson Law Group, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

“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!

– Stevie

"Helped me through a difficult divorce and made what i thought was going to be an impossible process so much easier."

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!

– Sonja

"Myles took great care in guiding a smooth process from start to finish drafting a prenuptial agreement."

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

– Nick

"My experience with the Johnson Law Group has been nothing more than spectacular."

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.

– Brady M.

"I'm extremely proud of the most professional and considerate Johnson Law Group."

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.

– Bonnita

View All Reviews Protecting Your Union

Our expert family law attorneys in Englewood can help you determine what steps you can take to protect, register, and validate your domestic partnership.

Contact Johnson Law Group, LLC, today.

Englewood Domestic Partnership Lawyer