For people seeking an alternative to marriage, a domestic partnership may be the best option. Here’s how to register for a domestic partnership in California.
In order to register for a domestic partnership in California spouses will need to meet certain eligibility requirements and fill out minimal court forms.
Eligibility Requirements
In order to register for a domestic partnership, a couple must meet all of the following requirements:
- Both partners voluntarily consent to being in the domestic partnership
- Neither partner is involved in another marriage or other relationship pending dissolution
- The couple must not be related by blood or in any other way that would prevent them from being legally married in California
- Both partners must be at least 18 years old and capable of consenting to the domestic partnership
- Minors may register for a domestic partnership if they meet all other requirements and obtain parental and court consent.
Registering for Domestic Partnership
- Fill out court forms:
- Declaration of Domestic Partnership (Form DP-1) OR
- Confidential Declaration of Domestic Partnership (Form DP-1A) for privacy
- Pay the filing fee
- $33 if both partners are under 62, $10 if either partner is older than 62
Obtaining a Domestic Partnership Certificate
- Fill out forms
- Special Filings Records Order Form (NPSF Records Order Form) if you filed a regular Declaration
- Confidential Domestic Partnership Records Order Form (CDP Records Order Form) if you filed a Confidential Declaration
- Indicate on the form that you would like a certified copy of the domestic partnership record.
- Pay the filing fee
- $1.00 for the first page, $0.50 for each additional page, and $5.00 certification fee per document.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one is seeking to register for a domestic partnership in California, contact us. Get your free consultation with one of our family law attorneys in California today!