DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP

   A domestic partner agreement can be used by all unmarried couples, whether of the opposite or same sex. It is a written contract between you and your partner that is primarily used to address the sharing of income, expenses, and property. It supports your ownership rights and clarifies your intentions for the distribution of your property if you die or your relationship ends. Although it needn't address concerns that are covered by other legal instruments (such as deeds of title, wills, living trusts, durable powers of attorney for health care and finances, parental rights documents, and living wills or Declarations of Desire), it can provide a valuable supporting document for them. You can also use a domestic partner agreement to identify responsibility for nonfinancial matters (e.g., who will handle household duties), although courts tend to provide only limited remedies for these so-called personal service agreements.

    By setting clear ground rules, a domestic partner agreement can help your relationship run more smoothly and ease the handling of disputes in case of separation or death.

    You and your partner can prepare a domestic partner agreement supplemented by other legal documents. A domestic partner agreement primarily addresses the sharing of income, expenses, and property. Other legal documents such as Powers of Attorney, Wills and Trusts can ensure your wishes are respected by your family and the courts.