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Protecting your interests in a domestic partnership agreement

On Behalf of | Jul 17, 2018 | Firm News |

A domestic partnership is an option for couples in committed relationships that choose to remain unmarried. By registering as a domestic partnership, both parties can enjoy certain benefits and protections. Like all family law decisions, it is beneficial to carefully consider all options before moving forward with this option.

If you do not want to marry but want to have legal protections in place for various contingencies, this could be a positive choice for you. Before the legalization of same-sex marriage, domestic partnership was a popular choice for same-sex couples. However, it remains an option for all types of Texas couples. 

What does domestic partnership mean? 

A domestic partnership is similar to marriage in some ways, affording cohabitating couples some benefits. There is legal paperwork to complete and file, and there may also be fees associated with registering as a domestic partnership. Some of the legal benefits enjoyed by couples that take this step include the following:

  • Both partners will have the right to take family leave if the other is injured or needs care for a period of time.
  • The two people in a domestic partnership will have the right to apply for medical benefits under a family plan.
  • Each will have the right to take bereavement leave in case of death or the death of a close family member.
  • The two partners will have the right to visit each other in the hospital and in jail. 

If you think this could be a beneficial step for you and your partner, it is prudent to seek a complete evaluation of your case. This can help you fully understand what this means, the benefits it will bring to your situation and how you can move forward with this process.

What if there is a dispute?

Like marriages and other types of relationships, some domestic partnerships do not end well. If there is a dispute, you have the right to seek guidance regarding your entitlements and the protection of your property rights. You will also find it helpful to have guidance in the event you and your partner want to formally dissolve the domestic partnership.

When it comes to complex family law decisions that could impact your future and the interests of your family, it is always beneficial to seek a complete evaluation of your case. You are entitled to know your rights, your options and ways you can protect your long-term security.

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