Q&A for How to File for a California Domestic Partnership

The California State website has lots of information on this topic, including a link to download the form, how and where to file and what it will cost. As of June 2017, that filing fee is $33.

It is allowed under California Law. There may be a different form to fill out, but it should be part of the domestic partnership process.

If you are same sex, then you can file once you're over 18. If you're a heterosexual couple, then you will have to wait until at least one of you turns 62.

It usually takes about 2-3 weeks. If you still haven't received your certificate by then, call your secretary of state's office.

There are some smaller courts where you may be able to get this done; however, if this is a necessity, you will need to contact the court and see if this is a possibility. Some counties will have one main records office that will be able to do same-day requests, but be prepared to wait a long time and have a rush fee added to it.

Yes, as long as they meet the other requirements listed in Step 1.

Yes, you can file for domestic partnership under your circumstances. You will have to answer some questions about your living situations and such, but you should be able to file for it.

Go to the courthouse and ask for one.

In California, registered domestic partnerships have no age requirements. Since January 1, 2020, any two adults can register as domestic partners, regardless of sex or age, as long as they meet the other requirements.

You can complete and file a new form with the Secretary of State, or if you want to terminate it, you can fill a Notice of Termination of Domestic Partnership.

To complete the California Declaration of Domestic Partnership form, you need to download the NP/SF DP-1 from the California Secretary of State's website or pick up a physical copy from your county clerk's office. Both partners must accurately fill out the form, including personal information, verification of eligibility, and signatures. The completed form must then be notarized and submitted to the Secretary of State.

Dropping off mail directly at a Post Office in Los Angeles is typically faster than mailing it to Sacramento, especially if you're ensuring same-day dispatch.

Yes, California allows heterosexual couples, regardless of age, to register as domestic partners. However, both partners must be at least 18 years old, not related in a way that prevents marriage, and not married to someone else. The law, updated in January 2020, removed the requirement for one partner to be 62 or older. One partner can live overseas if all other requirements are met.

If a California domestic partnership Declaration is notarized for only one signature and the other partner dies before their signature is notarized, the partnership is not considered valid. The California Secretary of State recommends completing a new form if circumstances change. The National Notary Association indicates that if all requirements were met before death, the notarization should be completed.

Yes, a California domestic partnership provides protection, similar to a marriage, if one partner becomes incapacitated or enters a coma. It allows you to make medical decisions for your partner and inherit their assets.

In California, opposite-sex couples under 62 can register as domestic partners without waiting to turn 62. California Senate Bill 30, signed into law in 2019, removed the age restriction for opposite-sex couples seeking to establish a domestic partnership. This means any couple meeting the basic requirements can register as domestic partners, regardless of age.

The domestic partnership certificate usually records the date the Affidavit of Domestic Partnership was filed, not the date of the notary. The certificate is completed immediately upon the filing of the signed and notarized affidavit.

There is no specific time requirement. You can file for a domestic partnership just as long as you live with them.

Yes, a heterosexual couple, even if one partner is incarcerated, can register as domestic partners in California. The law permits registration regardless of age or location, including incarceration. Both partners must sign and have the form notarized, which can be done separately if one is incarcerated.

In California, you can choose to change your last name when registering a domestic partnership, but it's not mandatory. You can adopt your partner's last name, the last name either of you had at birth, or a combination of elements from both last names, according to the California Secretary of State.

In California, the processing time for a mailed domestic partnership declaration typically takes 4 to 6 weeks. However, it can vary based on the volume of applications received by the California Secretary of State. Filing in person may result in a faster turnaround, sometimes taking only a few days.

California domestic partnership applications submitted by mail typically take 4-6 weeks to process. However, processing times can vary depending on the current workload of the California Secretary of State. The California Secretary of State's website allows you to track the progress of your application based on the date it was filed, according to LegalZoom.

The Los Angeles office for California's Domestic Partners Registry is at 1001 11th Street, 1st Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814. While this office serves as a location for submitting forms in person, it's important to note that the Los Angeles office does not process documents received by mail.

There is no specific timeframe to file paperwork for a California Domestic Partnership. You can file at any time as long as you meet the eligibility requirements. However, processing times may vary based on workload and other factors, so check the California Secretary of State's website or contact their office directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

The processing time for California Domestic Partnership certificates can vary based on several factors, including current workload and potential delays. Generally, you can expect to receive your certificate within a few weeks after submitting your application in person. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, check the California Secretary of State's website or contact their office directly.

The response time varies depending on the local government, the completeness of your application, the office workload, and the method of filing.

Yes, the District of Colombia, Maine, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin allow for domestic partnerships. For healthcare specifically you may want to look into making your partner your Healthcare Power of Attorney or Healthcare Proxy.

The surviving domestic partner is entitled to a percentage of the estate of the deceased partner. If one of the partners dies without leaving a will, the surviving partner is entitled to 50% to 100% of the deceased partner's assets.

No. There is no law requiring that you change your name. It's entirely your choice whether or not to do that.