Domestic Partnership Issues? Call our office today

With momentous court decisions being reached during the second decade of the 21st century regarding same-sex couples, it is important for individuals in domestic partnerships to see how their rights continue to evolve with time. There are a number of rights and obligations for domestic partners that the law recognizes.

Domestic partners are individuals who have a relationship that is legally recognized by the law. They may have registered for this status after they made the decision to cohabitate and share their lives together. They may be same-sex or opposite-sex couples. Their relationship is similar to that of marriage, but it does not have as many legal protections due to the lack of the official marriage contract. However, many domestic partnerships mirror divorce law when the relationship is dissolved. Consult with one of our domestic partnership attorneys in Chico today.

Family Law Issues

Domestic partners grapple with many of the same issues as married partners, including divorce for same-sex couples, rights of each partner upon the dissolution of their partnership, partnership agreements, child custody, child visitation and division of their property.

Division of Property

Domestic partners may spend years of their lives together. For this reason, property division can be a highly contentious area of domestic partnership law. A Chico domestic partner lawyer can discuss how joint assets should be handled. Additionally, he or she may help to get a business evaluated if both partners shared in it.

Resolving Child Custody Matters

Child custody matters are another difficult area of the law for domestic partners, especially with same-sex partners. Legal issues can arise when domestic partners do not legally adopt the children of the other partner or when only one partner is the biological parent of the children.

Legal Agreements

A Chico domestic partnership attorney may also help to devise a domestic partnership agreement that can help protect couples before any problems arise. Such an agreement can help avoid any misunderstandings and set out clear expectations from the beginning.

Differences Between Domestic Partnerships and Marriage

Although many of the family issues are the same, there are key differences between matrimonial law and that of domestic partnerships. Domestic partnership issues can be complex and require the assistance of a Chico domestic partner lawyer. It is important that a domestic partnership lawyer realizes the unique aspects of the case, be able to explain complicated legal issues in a way that is easy to understand and have the ability to negotiate or litigate the issues as needed. Due to the changing aspect of domestic partnership law, it is also vital that a Chico domestic partnership attorney be able to stay up to date on new developments in this aspect of the law.

Seek Legal Assistance

Family law lawyers who are experienced in domestic partnership law may discuss the potential legal issues when a domestic partnership is dissolved or another issue arises. A family law lawyer can discuss a person’s unique needs to provide comprehensive legal support regarding child custody, visitation, property division or other legal aspects of the case. Call Amaya & Associates today to discuss legal strategies that best suit your needs 530.897.3708.