Irvine Domestic Partnerships Attorney

Orange County, California, Cohabitation Agreement Lawyer

California is a progressive state on the forefront of many social movements. In the past generation, courts, legislatures and the public have extended to same-sex couples many of the same rights that traditional couples have taken for granted. Contact an Irvine domestic partnerships lawyer.

Although same-sex marriage is not currently recognized in California, these couples have lives and legal issues much like any couple. Living together, caring for one another, sharing property and even caring for children involve rights and raise legal issues.

Rights Granted by Domestic Partnership Status

Some of the more significant rights and obligations granted to registered domestic partners as if they were spouses are

• Community property rights;
• Joint and several liability for debts;
• Partner support during the partnership and upon dissolution or legal separation;
• Fiduciary duties in management and control of property;
• Child support and child custody/visitation

Federal law does not allow for Social Security or other benefits to be paid to a domestic partner. Federal tax law and immigration law do not recognize domestic partnerships.

Melanie Oldham can advise you on legal options for establishing a domestic partnership. You may register your partnership yourself, but it is wise to agree on various aspects of the relationship, including its possible ending.

Separating

When two lives have become intertwined, it can be complicated to separate them, as many will do. As with traditional couples, property division is generally the most difficult. If you are now establishing a domestic partnership, it may be wise to agree in writing (a prenuptial agreement) how property would be divided. A written agreement is always better than relying on ever-changing state and federal law.

Contact the Law Offices of Melanie L. Oldham

Contact an Orange County, California, cohabitation agreement attorney online or call 949-622-5522 for a consultation. Phones are answered 24 hours a day. Off-site, evening and weekend appointments are available for our clients' convenience. Our law firm accepts all major credit cards.