There are several decisions you've to make when you decide to live with another person in an intimate relationship. One of them is deciding the kind of arrangement you want to share your life with the other person. While marriage is the most obvious legal union, in other places, like California, you also have the option of entering into a domestic partnership.
To make an informed decision about your future, it's essential to know all about domestic partnership v marriage in California: What's the difference?
What is a Domestic Partnership?
A domestic partnership is the legal union between two people residing together but aren't married. Originally intended for same-sex couples, the domestic partnership has now been made legal in a landmark Supreme Court judgment. Today, it remains an option for couples of any preference to legalize their union without marriage.
Difference Between Domestic Partnership and Marriage
While some benefits are the same, there are several differences between a domestic partnership and marriage.
The major one is that domestic partnership isn't recognized at the federal level. This means that in the event of the death of one partner, the other domestic partner won't receive their social security benefits or any other federal survivor benefit.
Apart from that, domestic partners aren't entitled to tax-free transfer of property to each other, while married couples can transfer unlimited assets between themselves without incurring tax. Moreover, domestic partners don't have access to the benefits of spousal immigration status and can't petition their non-citizen partner for US citizenship.
Talk to an Attorney
Many things have to be decided when choosing between a marriage and a domestic partnership. Ultimately, the decision is on you and your partner. Speak to a qualified family law specialist at Jos Family Law if you're unsure about choosing between the two.
Call 714-733-7066 or send an email to [email protected] to make informed decisions.
Company Name:- JOS Family Law
Address:- 1918 W Chapman Ave Suite 200, Orange, CA 92868
Phone:- (714) 733-7066
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