U.S. Federal
U.S. House of Representative
(As of December 1995, members of the House and their staff may register their same-sex
partners as “significant others” for the purposes of House Rule 52, which prohibits
them from accepting gifts from anyone besides family and personal friends. “Significant
others” may be same-sex or opposite-sex.)
Alabama
No known registration.
Alaska
No known registration.
American Samoa
No known registration.
Arizona
No known registration.
Arkansas
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Fayetteville, Arkansas
Note: May 1998 registry was subject to voter referendum in November 1998. We have no
confirmed report on outcome.
California
California State (1999 - expanded 2002, 2005, 2006)
“Domestic Partner Registration”
$10 fee. For same-sex couples 18 or older, opposite-sex couples 62 and older; all
must be not related by blood, or marriage, live together and accept responsibility for each
other’s living expenses.
Benefits: Extensive.
Note 1: Originally the registry provided for a division of property in the event of a
break-up, could be used as an affidavit of partnership by the California Public Employees
Retirement System to extend health coverage to member’s partners, and allowed
recognition for hospital visitation but not medical decisions; benefits from this
registration were expanded on Oct. 14, 2001 to include making medical decisions for
incapacitated partners, sue for wrongful death, adopt a partner’s child, will property
to a partner, allow an individual to relocate with a domestic partner without losing
unemployment benefits, use sick leave to care for a family member, and administer a
partner’s estate.
Note 2: As of July 1, 2003, 20,319 registered.
Forms: ss.ca.gov/dpregistry
See our article: California: Domestic Partner Registration
Arcata, California (1998)
$30 fee. Must cohabit, but not required to live in jurisdiction. Both same- and opposite-sex
couples. Enacted August 1998.
Benefits: Medical care facility visitation rights for partner and partner’s children.
Responsibilities: Share basic living expenses.
6-month termination wait period, unless terminated by partner’s death.
Berkeley, California (1984)
$30 fee, termination $5 when one partner signs, termination $2 when both sign. Both same-
and opposite-sex couples. Must be filed in person at the City Clerk’s Office by
both parties. 6-month termination wait period, unless terminated by partner’s death.
Implemented December 1984 for city employees - extended to non-Berkeleyites in June 1991.
Benefits: None specified.
Responsibilities: Must share basic living expenses.
Note: Likely the first registration in the nation.
Forms: ci.berkeley.ca.us/ContentDisplay.aspx?id=4206
Cathedral City, California (1997)
$25 fee. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. Required to cohabit in jurisdiction for 6
months. File Statement with City Clerk. Termination by death, marriage, or no longer
cohabiting (effective after 30 days). 6-month termination wait period. Enacted
September 1997.
Benefits: Partners get equal visitation rights at health care facilities and jails,
reciprocity given to partners registered elsewhere.
Responsibilities: Share common necessities, jointly responsible for each other’s welfare
and basic living expenses; third parties may bring civil action for fraud based on false
statements made in registration or termination documents.
Davis, California (1994)
$10 fee, no termination fee. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. Required to cohabit
and live in jurisdiction. Termination upon death, one partner notifies other, one partner
marries, or partners stop living together. 6-months termination wait period, unless
terminated by death of partner. Enacted May 1994.
Benefits: For Davis leases and rental agreements, included as a definition of family, and
allowed hospital visitation.
Responsibilities: Must share basic living expenses.
Laguna Beach, California (1992)
$25 fee, no termination fee. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. NOT required to live
together, nor live in the jurisdiction. Termination when a partner files and mails copy to
other. 6-month termination wait period. Enacted April 1992.
Benefits: Partners may include durable power of attorney in their formation documents;
visitation in health care facilities and jail.
Responsibilities: Must share basic living expenses and be responsible for each other’s
welfare.
Long Beach, California (1997)
$70 fee. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. NOT required to cohabit or live in the
jurisdiction. Termination by death, one partner files and notifies other. NO termination
waiting period. Enacted 1997.
Benefits: Non-discrimination protections based on seeking benefits of ordinance or assisting
others to do so, hospital and jail visitation.
Responsibilities: Must share common necessities of life and be responsible for each
other’s welfare.
Los Angeles County, California (1999)
$20 fee, amending $13, termination $15. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. NOT required
to cohabit. At least one partner must be a resident or work for the County.Termination when a
partner files; no wait period. Enacted May 1999.
Benefits: None specified.
Marin County, California (1993)
$20 fee, no termination fee. Same-sex only. Required to share primary residence, and live in
jurisdiction, or one partner works in Marin County. Neither can have had a different domestic
partner within the last 6 months. Termination upon death, or when a partner files notice.
6-month termination wait period, unless terminated by death. Enacted May 1993.
Benefits: Hospital visitation.
Responsibilities: Share basic living expenses.
Forms: co.marin.ca.us/depts/CC/Main/clerk/domprtnr.cfm
Oakland, California (1996)
$35 fee; termination $5 if both partners sign, $10 if only one signs. Must cohabit for 6
months, live in jurisdiction or one partner is employed by the City. For same- and
opposite-sex couples. Termination upon death, or partners live separately for more than 90
days, or marriage of one partner, or one partner files notice and sends copy to other.
6-months termination wait period, unless terminated by death. Enacted June 1996.
Benefits: Exception from Real Estate Transfer Tax under certain conditions; hospital and jail
visitation.
Responsibilities: Share basic living expenses, responsible for common welfare.
Note: As of November 2001, at least 327 couples registered.
Forms: oaklandnet.com/government/city_clerk/domestic_partner_registration.html
Palm Springs, California (2000)
$35; Termination termination $5 if both partners sign, $10 if only one signs. For same-and
opposite-sex couples. Required to cohabit for 6 months and live in jurisdiction. Termination
upon death, marriage, or partners no longer share a residence; file and send notice to other
partner, effective after 30 days. Enacted January 2000.
Benefits: Medical facilities and jail visitation; ability to file City applications,
licenses, and permits for other partner; reciprocity given to partners registered elsewhere.
Responsibilities: Responsible for common welfare and basic living expenses; third parties may
bring civil action for fraud based on false statements made in registration and termination
documents.
Forms: palmsprings-ca.gov/city_clerk/Form%20Statement%20of%20Domestic%20Partnership.pdf
Palo Alto, California (1996)
$35 fee. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. Required to cohabit. NOT required to reside
in jurisdiction. Termination upon death, or filing statement; 6-month termination wait
period. Enacted January 1996.
Benefits: None specified.
Responsibilities: Responsible for each other’s common welfare.
Petaluma, (Sonoma County) California (1999)
$65 fee. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. Required to cohabit, and reside in jurisdiction
unless one partner works in it. Termination upon death, or file form, or one partner marries,
or partners no longer live together; 6-month termination wait period, unless terminated by
death. Called “Certificate of Partnerships.” Enacted: June 1999
Benefits: Employee benefits for City employees.
Responsibilities: Share basic living expenses.
Note: The City Council unanimously approved the registry, on April 19, 1999.
Forms: cityofpetaluma.net/cclerk/domestic.html
Sacramento, California (1992)
$35 fee. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. Required to cohabit, and live in jurisdiction.
Termination upon no longer live together, or one partner files Notice and mails copy to
other. 6-month termination waiting period, unless terminated by death. Enacted October 1992.
Benefits: Any lease, rental agreement or other real estate contract that uses the word
“family” is interpreted to include domestic partners; employers in the City, or
contractors with the City who allow unpaid leave for related persons, must allow the same for
domestic partners; hospital visitation.
Responsibilities: Share basic living expenses.
San Francisco, California (1990)
$43 fee. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. Required to cohabit. NOT required to live in
jurisdiction. Termination upon death, file Notice, or one partner marries, partners stop
living together, or one partner sends other notice. Enacted November 1990.
Benefits: None specified for general public.
Benefits for San Francisco City and County employees, if
1. The Domestic Partner is designated as the employee’s beneficiary with the
Retirement System.
2. The Domestic Partnership is only established by filing a signed Declaration of
Domestic Partnership with the County Clerk; in addition the certificate showing that the
Declaration of Domestic Partnership was filed with the County Clerk must be filed with
the Retirement System at least one full year prior to the effective date of the
employee’s retirement, or of the employee’s death if the employee should die
before retirement.
Responsibilities: Share basic living expenses, third parties may collect debt from either
partner.
Note: Registration originally had hospital visitation. A shockingly mean-spirited referenda
voted it out.
Forms: sfgov.org/site/countyclerk_page.asp?id=5540
Santa Barbara, California (1997)
$43 fee, termination $10. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. Required to cohabit, and
live in jurisdiction. Termination upon death, or a partner files Notice. Enacted June 1997.
Benefits: None specified.
Responsibilities: Share common necessities of life.
Note: As of mid-June 1999, 117 couples were certified.
Santa Barbara County, California (1999)
$35 fee, termination $10. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. NOT required to cohabit.
One partner must live in, or is employed by, County. Termination upon death, or a partner
files Notice. First version, implemented in 1997; second version Enacted June 1999.
Benefits: None specified.
Note: First version recognized registration from other cities; offered no benefits.
Second version offered no direct benefits, however, it provides 14 check-off boxes for
couples to further define their relationship in such areas as shared personal property, and
authorizing a partner to authorize medical treatment in an emergency.
Santa Monica, California (1995)
$15 fee, termination $7. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. Required to cohabit. NOT
required to live in jurisdiction. Termination upon death, or a partner files Notice; 6-month
termination wait period, unless terminated by death. Enacted September 1995.
Benefits: Eviction protections so long as partners registered prior to eviction notice and
copy given to landlord.
Responsibilities: Share basic living expenses.
Forms: pen.ci.santa-monica.ca.us/cityclerk/index.htm
West Hollywood, California (1985)
$25 fee, termination $7.50. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. NOT required to cohabit.
NOT required to live in jurisdiction. Filing by mail accepted if notarized. Termination
upon partner filing Notice and mails copy to other; 6-month termination wait period. Enacted
February 1985.
Benefits: Hospital and jail visitation [note: city has neither facility], protection from
housing eviction, reciprocity for partners registered elsewhere.
Responsibilities: Partners agree to be responsible for each other’s welfare.
Forms: https://weho.org/index.aspx?page=297
Colorado
Colorado State (2013)
Designated Beneficiary Agreements became effect on July 1, 2009.
Offers limited rights, such as hospital and jail visitations, funeral arrangements, and
death benefits and the right for a surviving partner to be claimed as a next of kin.
Civil Unions became law in mid-March 2013. This registration allows same-sex couples to
gain many rights comparable to a legal marriage license, which only opposite-sex couples enjoy.
Openly gay Democrat Mark Ferrandino, Speaker of the House in presenting the bill:
“Its about love, its about family, and its about equality under the law.”
Rev. Nancy Bowen, executive, Mountain Desert District of the Unitarian Universalist Association:
“We believe that our congregations should honor all that is holy and what is more holy than love?
Civil unions protect our religious freedom to recognize the unions of all loving couples in our state.”
“The Impact of the Colorado Domestic Partnership Act on Colorado’s State Budget”
- PDF file from The Williams Institute.
This study estimates that allowing same-sex couples to enter into domestic partnerships
under the proposed “Colorado Domestic Partnership Benefits and Responsibilities Act” will
result in a net gain of approximately $1.2 million each year for the State. This net
increase will result from savings in expenditures on state means-tested public benefits
programs and from an increase in sales tax revenue from registration celebrations.
Boulder, Colorado (1996)
$25 fee; termination $25. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. File Affidavit or sign
certificate before city clerk. Required to cohabit. NOT required to live in jurisdiction.
Termination upon death, or file notice, certified notice to other partner. NO termination
wait period. Enacted April 1996.
Benefits: None specified, however, has been useful toward qualifying for partner’s
medical insurance.
Responsibilities: Mutual support, caring, and commitment
Note: Registry option to be confidential and not a public record.
Note: As of March 11, 2006, between 700-800 couples registered, with 17 terminations.
“Domestic Partnership Registration” - from the Office of the City Clerk of Boulder
Denver, Colorado (1999)
$25 fee. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. Required to cohabit, be at least 18,
unmarried and not related to each other. NOT required to live in jurisdiction. Termination
upon marriage, death, both file certificate, or one files and sends copy to other. No
termination Waiting Period. Established November 29, 1999; effective December 3, 1999.
Benefits: None specified, however, have been useful documentation toward qualifying for a
partner’s medical insurance.
Note from the city Web site: “What Registration Does Not Do - Registering as committed
partners does not constitute marriage under the laws of the State of Colorado nor change your
legal rights with your partner. Registration does not affect your property, contract,
inheritance, custody, or benefit rights nor any other legal entitlements. It does not provide
for name changes. To provide for such rights domestic partners may need to execute medical
and/or general powers of attorney, wills, and/or other legal instruments, just as though
there were no partnership. Consult your attorney.” - in other words, it is impotent.
Note: As of March 11, 2006, 757 couples registered and 58 subsequently terminated their
union.
“Committed Partnership Registry” - from the Denver Office of the Clerk and Recorder
Connecticut
Because of a suit, Connecticut allows full legal marriage.
Please see our article: Connecticut Offers Legal Marriage
Connecticut State (2005)
“Civil Unions”
$30 fee. Enacted October 1, 2005.
Benefits: Extensive. Same-sex couples may receive the same spousal rights as do opposite-sex,
legally married couples.
See our article: Connecticut: Civil Unions
Hartford, Connecticut (1993)
$30, termination $5. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. Required to cohabit. NOT required to
live in jurisdiction. Termination upon death, or partner files declaration and sends copy to
other. 6-month and 7 days termination wait period, unless terminated by death.
Enacted June 1993.
Benefits: None specified.
Responsibilities: Share common necessities of life.)
Delaware
No known registration.
District of Columbia
Because of legislation, DC allows full legal marriage.
Please see our article: District of Columbia Offers Legal Marriage
The District of Columbia had a registration (2001 - amended 2006)
Domestic partnership is no longer offered because it offers full legal marriage
Registration and the Domestic Partnership Equality Amendment Act of 2006
$45 fee, amend $10, termination $25. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. Required to cohabit.
NOT required to live in jurisdiction. Termination upon death, file forms and notify other
partner. 6-month termination wait period, unless terminated by death. Enacted June 1992,
effective 2001.
Benefits: Hospital, nursing home, and adoption agency visitation; decision-making on human
remains after death; health insurance benefits and leave for City employees hired after 1987.
Benefits from the Amendment Act: Inheritance, legal, and survivor rights, establishes
obligations for child support and alimony, provides power of attorney to manage financial,
medical, and legal matters, provides immunity from testifying against a partner, and the
ability to write and enforce the equivalent of premarital agreements.
Note 1: Not funded by U.S. Congress; couples sign up by registered mail with forms created by
local legal groups; part of the District of Columbia Health Care Benefits Expansion Act of
1992, it was part of a domestic partner benefit law that has been blocked by “social
riders” the U.S. Congress attached to D.C. budget bills since 1992, and was finally
allowed to be enacted in December 2001. As of December 16, 2005, 554 couples had registered
as domestic partners. Out of that total, 479 were same-sex couples and 75 were
opposite-sex couples.
Note 2: The Domestic Partnership Equality Amendment Act of 2006 was introduced by
Councilman Phil Mendelson (D-at-Large) in 2005. The D.C. City Council voted for the act on
January 6, 2006. Congress had 30 days to act against it, and did not.
Note 3: As of April 7, 2006, there were 587 registered domestic couples.
Forms: doh.dc.gov/doh/cwp/view,a,1374,q,580926,dohNav_GID,1802,dohNav,|33200|33240|.asp
Florida
Broward County, Florida (1999)
$28 fee, amend $18.50, termination $10. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. Required to
cohabit in jurisdiction, be 18+ and not be related by blood and not otherwise married or
partnered. Termination upon death, marriage, or either partner files. 1 month termination
wait period; coverage may not be obtained for more than one domestic partner during a year.
Enacted January 1999, final approval April 27, 1999.
Benefits: Hospital and jail visitation, and ability to make medical decisions for an
incapacitated partner; county employees may use registration to purchase through
county’s group plan for their partners. Also, the County gives preference points to
bidders on larger contracts who offer spousal health benefits to their employees’
domestic partners.
Responsibilities: Share basic living expenses.
Note 1: By April 2003, 1,929 partnerships were registered, with 182 terminations.
Note 2: Survived a court challenge claiming that the extension of benefits constitutes the
creation of a new “marital” status; was appealed. We have not read of results.
Clearwater, Florida (2012)
$? fee.
June 7, 2012, the Clearwater City Council unanimously approved creation of a domestic
partnership registry.
Gainsville, Florida
$? fee.
Gulfport, Florida (2012)
$50 fee.
May 15, 2012, the Gulfport City Council voted unanimously to create a domestic partnership registry.
Key West, Florida (1998)
$50 fee. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. Required to cohabit. NOT required to reside
in jurisdiction. Also requires listing the names and birth dates of all dependents.
Termination upon death, one partner files and notifies other. Conflicting info reported:
30-days termination wait period - or - 6-months termination wait period, unless terminated by
death. Enacted February 1998.
Benefits: Partnered city employees entitled to same health benefits, bereavement and sick,
and parental leave as those with legal spouses; reciprocity given to partners registered
elsewhere.
Responsibilities: Joint responsibility for basic living expenses.
Forms: keywestcity.com/egov/apps/services/index.exe?path=details&action=i&id=45
Miami Beach, Florida (2004)
$50 fee, amend $25, termination $25. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. Required to
cohabit. NOT required to reside in jurisdiction. Termination upon death, marriage, formation
of civil union, both file termination or one files and notifies other; effective on date of
filing or date proof of service filed. Enacted August 2004.
Benefits: Health care and correctional facility visitation, health care decision-making for
incapacitated partner, participation in educational activities, funeral and burial decisions,
emergency notification as a family member, pre-need guardian designation.
Responsibilities: Share common necessities, responsible for each other’s welfare.
Forms: web.miamibeachfl.gov/cityclerk/default.aspx?id=14068
Miami-Dade County, Florida
$? fee.
Monroe County, Florida (1998)
$? fee.
Orando, Florida (2012)
$30 fee. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. City Council voted December 12, 2011 to enact
the registry on January 12, 2012.
Benefits: Hospital visitation, healthcare decision-making privileges, and the right to make
funeral arrangements at institutions within Orlando city limits.
Palm Beach County, Florida (2006)
$50 fee, amend $20, termination $20, copies $5, certified copy $5.50. Both same-and
opposite-sex couples. Required to appear in person and produce a copy of at least one the
following: current mortgage, lease or deed showing both partners’ names, driver
licenses, passports, tax returns, other government issued photograph ID showing same address.
Additionally, the couple must produce copies of at least two of the following: current
mortgage, lease or deed with both names, statement from a joint bank account, joint credit
cards, co-owned vehicle, beneficiary designation for retirement plan, or life insurance
policy naming the partner, wills naming partner as primary beneficiary. Effect
January 21, 2006.
Benefits: Visit partner at county health care, county correctional, juvenile detention
facilities; make medical decisions for incapacitated partner; make funeral and burial
decisions; be notified in situations where family notification is mandated or permissible; be
designated and serve as pre-need guardian; legal marriages, domestic partnerships, or civil
unions are automatically recognized.
Note: county residents can use Palm Beach’s reciprocity provision and register at a less
complex location, such as West Palm Beach: cityofwpb.com/domestic (Broward County, Key West, and
Miami Beach also have registries.)
Forms: pbcountyclerk.com/courtservices/circuitcivil/domesticpartner.htm
St. Petersburg, Florida (2012)
$? fee.
June 7, 2012, the St. Petersburg City Council approved a domestic partner registration.
Tampa, Florida (2012)
$? fee.
City Council voted unanimously to approve a domestic partnership registry on March 15, 2012.
Benefits: Ability to visit each other in the hospital, make medical decisions for an
incapacitated partner, and to be notified as a family member in case of emergency.
West Palm Beach, Florida (February 2005)
$50 fee. NOT required to be residents. Register by U.S. mail or at City Clerk’s Office.
Forms: cityofwpb.com/domestic
Georgia
Atlanta, Georgia (1997)
$30 fee. For same-and opposite sex couples. Registration filed in the Office of Treasury,
Finance Department: 404-330-6430. Required to cohabit for 6 months; live in jurisdiction,
or both must be city employees; share basic living expenses. 6-month termination wait
period, unless terminated by death. Enacted March 1997.
Benefits: Jail visitation.
Responsibilities: Share basic living expenses.
Fulton County, Georgia (2003)
$25 fee. Same-sex couples only. Required to cohabit 6 months. Also required to live in
jurisdiction, or one partner is employed by County. File declaration with Clerk to the Board
of Commissioners: 516-482-0019. Termination upon death, partners no longer meet registry
criteria, or one partner sends Notice to other. 6-month termination wait period, unless
terminated by death. Enacted July 2003.
Benefits: Medical and jail facility visitation; equal access to facilities and
programs regulated, funded or operated by County; protection from retaliation and
discrimination for use of registry or rights utilized; benefits for County employees.
Responsibilities: Joint responsibility for the “necessities of life.”
Forms: co.fulton.ga.us/departments/clerk_comm_reports_T95_R18.html
Guam
No known registration
Hawaii
Hawaii State
“Civil Unions” (2012)
Enacted January 1, 2012
See our article: Civil Unions: The Hawaii Approach
“Reciprocal Beneficiaries” (1997)
$8 fee; termination $8. For same-and opposite sex couples. NOT required to live together or
live in jurisdiction. Registration: notarized copy of completed Registration of Reciprocal
Beneficiary Relationship Form filed with Dept. of Health. Termination upon notarized
Declaration of Termination; no wait period. Enacted July 1997.
Benefits: Inheritance, hospital visitation, family and funeral leaves, legal standing for
wrongful death and crime victims, use of state facilities.
Note: Major benefit of workplace insurance for a partner was rendered invalid by
the State Attorney General in 1997.
Idaho
No known registration.
Illinois
Cook County, Illinois (2003)
$30 fee, amend $5, termination $30, additional copies and wallet-sized certificates $10. For
same-sex couples only. Both parties sign affidavit at County Clerk Office. Required to
cohabit, and live in jurisdiction, unless one partner is employed by County. No termination
process specified. Enacted July 2003, effective October 2, 2003.
Benefits: None specified.
Forms: cookctyclerk.com/sub/domestic_partnership_application.asp
Oak Park, Illinois (1997)
$50 fee, termination $50. Same-sex only. File Declaration with Village Clerk. Required to
cohabit 6 months, and live in jurisdiction. Termination upon death, one partner files form
with Clerk and notifies other, partners no longer fit criteria. 6-month termination wait
period, unless terminated by death. Implemented September 1997.
Benefits: None specified.
Responsibilities: Share basic living expenses.
Note 1: Symbolic vote re-affirmation, in March 1998, after ballot initiative challenge.
Note 2: As of July 1, 2003, about 60 couples registered.
Forms: www.oak-park.us/Village_Clerk/Domestic_Partnership.html
Urbana, Illinois (September 1, 2005)
$15 fee. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. Required to cohabit, be 18+, unmarried, not
being blood-related closer than permitted by Illinois marriage laws. NO residency
requirement, even those not U.S. citizens. Couples must produce identification, proof of age.
6-1 city council vote on May 2, 2005; effective September 1, 2005.
Benefits: None specified.
Indiana
No known registration.
Iowa
Because of a suit, Iowa allows full legal marriage.
Please see our article: Iowa Offers Legal Marriage
Iowa City, Iowa (1994)
$30 fee. Same-sex couples only. NOT required to cohabit. One partner required to reside
in, or is employed in, the city. File Declaration with City Clerk. Termination upon death,
both file form, or one files proof that notice was mailed to the other. 90 day termination
wait period, unless terminated by death. Enacted November 1994.
Benefits: Enables employers to “voluntarily provide equal treatment in employment
benefits”
Responsibilities: Responsible for each other’s welfare.
Kansas
No known registration.
Kentucky
No known registration.
Louisiana
New Orleans, Louisiana (1993)
$35 fee, amend $7, termination $7. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. Required to cohabit,
and live in jurisdiction, unless one partner is employed in the City. File Declaration with
Clerk of Council. Termination upon death, partners no longer meet qualifications, one partner
files Notice. 6-month termination wait period, unless terminated by death. Enacted July 16,
1993.
Benefits: None specified. However, registration was utilized by the city, on May 17, 1997,
when it offered benefits to municipal workers.
Responsibilities: Share basic living expenses.
Maine
Because of legislation and voters, Maine allows full legal marriage.
Please see our article: Maine Offers Legal Marriage
Maine State (2004)
“Domestic Partnership”
$35 fee, termination $35. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. Must cohabit in jurisdiction
for at least 12 months. File Declaration with State Office of Vital Records. No wait period
with termination upon marriage, or both file a Notice; otherwise, 60-day wait after one
partner files along with proof of service notifying other partner. Established April 2004,
effective July 30, 2004.
Benefits: Establishes the partner as next-of-kin, for the right to make funeral or burial
arrangements, as inheritor without a will, trust, or other estate planning, as a guardian
when the partner is incapacitated, guardianships, conservator rights, protection from abuse,
victim compensation.
Note: Registration states that it “is not a substitute for a will, a deed, or a
partnership agreement.”
See our article: Maine: Declaration of Domestic Partnership
Forms: maine.gov/dhs/bohodr/domstcprtnrspge.htm
Portland, Maine (2001)
$20 fee, termination $20. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. Required to cohabit in
jurisdiction for at least 6 months. File notarized form with City Clerk. Termination upon
death, or partner files notarized statement and inform other. 6-month termination wait
period, unless terminated by death. Enacted 2001, effective June 2002.
Benefits: Hospital visitation, City employee benefits, protection from retaliation and
discrimination.
Maryland
Maryland State
Domestic partners are exempted from paying state inheritance tax on certain
property that passes to them from their deceased domestic partner.
[See this article from Equality Maryland: Inheritance Tax - Exemption - Domestic Partners]
Takoma Park, Maryland (1993)
$25 fee, amend $10, termination $25. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. Required to cohabit.
NOT required to live in jurisdiction. File Declaration with City Clerk. Termination upon
death, or file Declaration with City Clerk. 6-month termination wait period, unless
terminated by death. Enacted November 1993.
Benefits: Medical benefits for partners of City employees.
Massachusetts
Because of a court suit, Massachusetts allows full legal marriage.
Please see our article: Massachusetts Offers Legal Marriage
Massachusetts State
Executive Order - also: Legal Marriage for same-sex couples
Benefits: Extensive.
Note: Governor’s Executive Order allows state workers to register for bereavement leave,
visitation rights in state prisons and hospitals.
Boston, Massachusetts (1993)
$62 fee, amend $50, termination $50, copies $12. Both same-and opposite-sex couples.
NOT required to cohabit. NOT required to live in jurisdiction. File Statement with City
Clerk. Termination upon death, file Statement. 90-day termination wait period, unless
terminated by death. Enacted December 1993.
Benefits: Hospital, jail visitation for partners and children, school record access,
prohibits discrimination on the basis of domestic partnership.
Responsibilities: Share basic living expenses, assume responsibility for partner’s
welfare.
Note: fees specified as same as for marriage license.
Forms: cityofboston.gov/cityclerk/services.asp#dp
Brewster, Massachusetts (1995)
$20 fee. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. NOT required to cohabit. Required to live in
jurisdiction. File Statement with Town Clerk. Termination upon filing Statement with Town
Clerk. 6-month termination wait period. Enacted 1995.
Benefits: None specified.
Responsibilities: Share common necessities of life and responsible for each other.
Brookline, Massachusetts (1993)
$25 fee, termination $10. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. Required to cohabit.
NOT required to live in jurisdiction. File Statement with Town Clerk. Termination upon death,
or filing Statement with Town Clerk. 90-day termination wait period, unless terminated by
death. Enacted June 1993.
Benefits: Hospital and jail visitation, prohibits discrimination on the basis of DP status,
reciprocity for partners registered elsewhere.
Responsibilities: Share basic living expenses and assume responsibility for each other and
for the welfare of any dependents.
Cambridge, Massachusetts (1992)
$15 fee. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. Required to cohabit. Required to live in
jurisdiction. File registration form with City Clerk. Termination upon death, file
Statement with City Clerk, send copy to other partner. 6-months and 7-days termination wait
period, unless terminated by death. Enacted September 1992.
Benefits: Hospital and jail visitation for partners and children, access to children and
school records, domestic partner benefits for partners of city employees, reciprocity given
to partners registered elsewhere
Responsibilities: Relationship of mutual support, caring and commitment.
Forms: ci.cambridge.ma.us/~CityClrk/domestic-partnership
Nantucket, Massachusetts (1996)
$15 fee. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. Required to cohabit. NOT required to live in
jurisdiction. File registration form with Town Clerk. Termination upon death, file
termination form (effective seven days after other partner is notified). 6-month termination
waiting period, unless terminated by death. Enacted April 1996.
Benefits: Medical and correctional facilities visitation, school-related privileges regarding
partners’ children, town employees partner benefits, reciprocity given to partners
registered elsewhere
Responsibilities: Mutual support.
Provincetown, Massachusetts (1993)
$15 fee. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. NOT required to cohabit. NOT required to
live in jurisdiction. File an official record with Town Clerk. Termination upon death, one
partner files termination statement with Town Clerk, mails copy to other. 97-daytermination
waiting period, unless terminated by death. Enacted April 1993.
Benefits: Hospital and prison visitation, access to children and child’s school,
“spouse” in town bylaws interpreted to include domestic partners.
Responsibilities: Mutual support.
Truro, Massachusetts (2004)
$10 fee. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. NOT required to cohabit. NOT required to
live in jurisdiction. File an official record with Town Clerk. Termination upon death, one
partner files form with Town Clerk and sends copy to other via certified mail (effective
after 7-days). 6-month termination waiting period, unless terminated by death. Enacted May
2004.
Benefits: Hospital and correctional facility visitation, upon filing of letter by partner who
is parent or legal guardian of child, other partner will have access to child’s school
records, school personnel and right to remove child from school for sickness or family
emergency, protection from retaliation and discrimination for use of registry,
“spouse” or “family” in town bylaws is interpreted to include domestic
partners.
Responsibilities: Mutual support.
Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan (1991)
$20 resident fee, non-resident $25. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. NOT required to
cohabit. NOT required to live in jurisdiction. File declaration with City Clerk or have it
witnessed and notarized. Termination upon death, one partner marries, one or both files
notice of termination. NO termination wait period. Enacted November 1991.
Benefits: None specified.
Responsibilities: Share basic living expenses.
Detroit, Michigan (2001)
$? fee.
East Lansing, Michigan
$? fee.
Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota (1991)
$20 fee plus “a reasonable fee per document for providing certified copies of
registrations, amendments or notices of termination.”. Both same- and opposite-sex
couples. NOT required to cohabit. NOT required to live in jurisdiction. File application with
City Clerk. Termination upon death, one partner files termination form (effective 45 days
after other partner notified). No termination wait period. Enacted January 1991, and expanded
on August 22, 2003.
Benefits: Allows for medical care facility visitation, bans discrimination in fees between
“a person with a spouse and a person with a domestic partner or between a person with a
spouse and children or a person with a domestic partner and children” in real estate,
public accommodations, public services, and professional organizations. Also, the housing
maintenance code was updated to include domestic partners in the definition of family.
Responsibilities: Joint responsibility for necessities of life.
Note 1: Originally, at least one partner must live or work in Minneapolis. This was changed
to allowing non-residents in 2003. The city council added those with domestic partner
registrations (or other legally founded relationships in other local, state, or foreign
jurisdictions) as domestic partners under the Minneapolis city ordinance extending
protections to visitors and new city residents.
Note 2: [“CODE OF ORDINANCES - Title 7 - CIVIL RIGHTS - CHAPTER 142.
CIVIL RIGHTS AND DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS 142.10.
Purpose. The City of Minneapolis recognizes that nationwide debate has advanced an
expanded concept of familial relationships beyond traditional marital and blood
relationships. This expanded concept recognizes the relationship of two (2) non-married
but committed adult partners. Recognizing this the Minneapolis City Council hereby adopts
a process to provide persons to declare themselves as domestic partners, thus enabling
employers to voluntarily provide equal treatment in employment benefits for such
partners and their dependents.” (91-Or-015, § 1, 1-25-91) ]
Forms: www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/domestic-partner-registration
Mississippi
No known registration.
Missouri
Jackson County, Missouri (2003)
“Voluntary Civil Union Registry”
No fee. both same-and opposite-sex couples. Any two or more people may register.
NOT required to cohabit. NOT required to live in jurisdiction. Bring photo ID and sign book
in Office of Recorder of Deeds at Jackson County courthouse in either Kansas City or
Independence. No termination process enacted. Enacted April 2003.
Benefits: None specified.
Note: Status created by order of the County Executive.
Kansas City, Missouri (2003)
NO fee. Required to cohabit 12 months. NOT required to live in jurisdiction. File Affidavit
with City Clerk, filing by mail accepted. Termination when one or both partners file
Affidavit. No wait period. Enacted August 2003.
Benefits: None specified.
Responsibilities: Joint responsibility for basic necessities, proof of financial
interdependence required for city employees seeking domestic partner benefits.
Forms: cityclerk.kcmo.org/liveweb/content/content.aspx?id=9
St. Louis, Missouri (1997)
Mayoral Executive Order
$1. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. Required to cohabit and live in jurisdiction.
File Statement with City Register. Termination upon death, or one partner files Statement
with City Register and mails copy to other. 6-month termination wait period, no exemption for
death of partner. Enacted April 1998.
Benefits: Visitation to city medical and jail facilities. Violation of rights can bring fine
and imprisonment.
Montana
No known registration.
Nebraska
No known registration.
Nevada
Nevada State (2009)
In 2009, the Nevada Legislature passed a bill to create legal recognition of same-sex unions.
This bill created a domestic partnership registry that enables same- and opposite-sex couples,
to enjoy some of the same rights as married couples. While the bill was vetoed by Governor Jim Gibbons,
it was overridden by the legislature on May 31, 2009. The law took effect on October 1, 2009.
Same-sex marriage in Nevada was banned in 2002 through Question 2, an amendment to the
Constitution of Nevada, which passed with almost 67 percent of the vote.
See: “Domestic Partnerships in Nevada: A Practical Guide
for Same-Sex and Opposite-Sex Couples” - from ACLU/Nevada
“Domestic Partnerships” - from the Nevada Secretary of State
“Domestic Partnership - FAQ” - from the Nevada Secretary of State
New Hampshire
Because of legislation, New Hampshire allows full legal marriage.
Please see our article: New Hampshire Offers Legal Marriage
No known registration.
New Jersey
New Jersey State (2004)
“Domestic Partnership Act”
$28 fee. For same-sex, but also for opposite-sex couples 62+. Required to cohabit and live in
jurisdiction, unless one partner is member of New Jersey State-administered retirement
system. Both parties must file a notarized affidavit with local Registrar of Vital
Statistics. Required to show government-issued identification and proof of shared financial
assets. NO termination waiting period. Approved January 2004, effective July 10, 2004.
Benefits: Hospital visitation and decision-making rights, an inheritance tax exemption, and a
state income tax deduction for dependents. Partners of state employees get medical and
pension coverage. Private employers are not obligated to provide medical, but all insurance
companies must make such coverage available to employers who wish to make it part of their
employee benefits. The Act also outlaws discrimination against domestic partners.
Responsibilities: Cohabitation and joint finances or common welfare.
See our article: New Jersey: Domestic Partnership Act
Forms: www.state.nj.us/health/vital/dp2.shtml
New Mexico
No known registration.
New York
Because of legislation, New York State allows full legal marriage.
Please see our article: New York Offers Legal Marriage
New York State
Governor’s Executive Order
Benefits: Allows state workers to register for bereavement leave, and visitation rights in
state prisons and hospitals.
Albany, New York (1996)
$25 fee, termination $25. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. Required to cohabit 6 months
prior to filing. NOT required to live in jurisdiction. File statement with City Clerk.
Termination when a partner files with City Clerk and notifies other in writing within 30
days. 6-month termination wait period, no exemption for death of partner. Enacted March 1996.
Benefits: None specified.
Responsibilities: Commit to the physical, emotional and financial care of each other; share
the common necessities and tasks of one household.
Forms: albanyny.org/_files/Forms/Government/CityClerk_Forms/Domestic%20Partnerships%20Information.pdf
Babylon, Long Island, New York
$? fee.
East Hampton, (Suffolk County, Long Island) New York (October 2002)
$25 fee, termination $25. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. Required to cohabit.
NOT required to live in jurisdiction. File notarized statement with Town Clerk. Termination
when a partner files termination statement with Town Clerk declaring that copy has been
mailed to other. 6-month termination wait period, no exemption for death of partner. Enacted
September 2002.
Benefits: None specified.
Responsibilities: Mutual support, responsible for each other’s welfare.
Note: As of December 2003, 63 couples had registered - not all are same-sex couples.
Forms: town.east-hampton.ny.us/pages/forms/Affidavit%20of%20Domestic%20Partnership.pdf
Great Neck (Village of) (2004)
$35 fee. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. Required to cohabit. Required to live in
jurisdiction, or at least one partner is employed by Village. File affidavit with Village
Clerk. Termination upon death, marriage, filing affidavit with Clerk by both partners, or by
one with declaration that notice has been sent to other (effective after 30 days). 60-day
termination wait period, unless terminated by death or marriage. Enacted January 2004.
Benefits: None specified.
Responsibilities: Financially interdependent.
Great Neck Plaza (Village of) (2003)
$100 fee, amend $25, termination $25. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. Required to
cohabit. Required to live in jurisdiction, or at least one partner is employed by Village.
File affidavit with Village Clerk. Termination upon death, marriage, filing of notarized
statement by both partners, or by one partner with proof of notice mailed to other. 60-day
termination wait period, unless terminated by death or marriage. Enacted November 2003
Benefits: None specified.
Responsibilities: Mutual support, responsible for each other’s welfare.
Huntington, (Suffolk County, Long Island) New York (2004)
$25 fee, termination $25. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. Required to cohabit for a
year. Required to live in jurisdiction. Register in person: Town Clerk, Huntington Town Hall,
100 Main St.; 631-351-3216. Termination upon death, marriage, one partner files termination
statement with Clerk with proof of delivery to (or notarized statement from) other
acknowledging termination. 6-month termination wait period, no exemption for death of a
partner. Enacted June 2004.
Benefits: None specified.
Responsibilities: Mutual support, responsible for each other’s welfare
Ithaca, New York (1990)
$20 fee, termination $5. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. Required to cohabit.
NOT required to live in jurisdiction. File statement with City Clerk. Termination when a
partner files Statement with Clerk and mails copy to other. 6-month termination wait period,
no exemption for death of a partner. Enacted August 1990.
Benefits: Family rates at city-owned facilities. City employees entitled to sick and
bereavement leave, health and dental insurance equal to those of employees with spouses.
Responsibilities: Responsible for each other’s welfare.
New York, New York (1993) (includes: Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island)
Executive Order
$36 fee; amend $27, termination $27. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. Required to
cohabit. Required to live in jurisdiction, or one partner employed by the City. File
registration certificate with City Clerk. Termination when one partner files termination with
Clerk, sends notification to other. 6-months termination wait period, no exemption for death
of partner. Enacted January 1993.
Extra Requirements: Disclosure of a domestic partner’s background and financial status
required as they are for marital partners in applications for business licenses,
city-subsidized housing, and candidacy for public office.
Benefits: Hospital and jail visitation, shared parking permits, standing for joint appeals of
city tax bills, continued tenancy for surviving partners in rental units following the death
of the lease-holding partner, inheritance of some city-issued licenses, joint burial in the
city cemetery.
Benefits for City employees: Medical, dental, bereavement leave, unpaid child care leave if
partner becomes a parent, death benefits, “Good Samaritan awards” for domestic
partners of city employees killed in the line of duty, equal spousal benefits in future
collective bargaining agreements.
Note: Registry is confidential and not a public record.
Information from the city: cityclerk.nyc.gov/html/marriage/domestic_partnership_reg.shtml
NYC Domestic Partner Registration
Registry began in 1993
By July 2005, at least 27,017 couples signed up.
About 30 percent were opposite-sex couples.
|
|
Year
|
Total Couples
|
Opposite-sex
|
Same-sex
|
|
2004
|
3,048
|
2,147
|
901
|
|
2005
|
2,251
|
814
|
3,066
|
|
by Oct. 25, 2006
|
2,863
|
2,096
|
767
|
North Hempstead, (Nassau County, Long Island) New York (2003)
$35 fee, amend $25, termination $35. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. Required to
cohabit. At least one is required to be a resident or Town employee, and swear they are in a
committed relationship. File notarized affidavit with Town Clerk. Termination upon death,
marriage, no longer meet registry criteria, filing of notarized statement by both partners or
by one partner with written notice sent to other. 60-day termination wait period, unless
terminated by death or marriage. Enacted August 2003.
Benefits: None specified.
Responsibilities: Financially interdependent relationship.
Note: Several villages in the town of North Hempstead have set up registries: Great Neck,
Great Neck Plaza, North Hills, Rolsyn Estates.
Forms: www.northhempstead.com/content/4441/4996/default.aspxx
North Hills (Village of) (2003)
NO fee. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. Required to cohabit. Required to be a resident or
one be a Village employee. File notarized affidavit with Village Clerk. Termination upon
death, marriage, filing of notarized statement by both partners or by one partner with proof
of notice mailed to other. 60-day termination wait period, unless terminated by death or
marriage. Enacted May 2003.
Benefits: None specified.
Responsibilities: Financially interdependent relationship.
Rochester, New York (1993)
$25 fee, termination $25. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. Required to cohabit at least 6
months prior to filing. NOT required to be a resident. File statement with City Clerk.
Termination when a partner files with Clerk and notifies other. 6-month termination wait
period, no exemption for death of partner. Enacted July 1993.
Benefits: None specified.
Responsibilities: Committed to physical, emotional and financial care of each other,
financial interdependence
Rockland County, New York (2006)
$? fee.
Note: The County Legislature approved (12-4) the registry, as well as an amendment to a
housing law to prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation, on March 21, 2006.
Roslyn Estates (Village of) (2004)
NO fee. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. Required to cohabit. Required to be resident, or
at least one partner employed by the Village. File affidavit with Village Clerk. Termination
upon death, marriage, at least one partner files affidavit with Clerk and sends written
notice to other, (if one partner files, effective after 30 days). 60-day termination wait
period, unless terminated by death. Enacted January 2004.
Benefits: None.
Responsibilities: Financially interdependent.
Southampton, (Suffolk County, Long Island) New York (2003)
$20 fee, termination $20. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. Required to cohabit, and be a
resident. File statement with Town Clerk. Termination when either partner files termination
statement with Clerk and declares copy has been mailed to other. 6-month termination wait
period, no exemption for death of partner. Enacted March 2003.
Benefits: None specified.
Responsibilities: Mutual support, responsible for each other’s welfare.
Note: As of December 2003, 25 couples registered.
Forms: town.southampton.ny.us/listing.ihtml?myid=1463&id=131&cat=Town%20Clerk
Southold, (Suffolk County, Long Island) New York (2003)
$20 fee, termination $10. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. Required to cohabit, and be a
resident. File statement with Town Clerk. Termination when either partner files statement
with Clerk and declares copy has been mailed to other. 6-month termination wait period, no
exemption for death of partner. Enacted December 16, 2003.
Benefits: None specified.
Responsibilities: Mutual support, responsible for each other’s welfare.
Suffolk County, New York (2006)
$? fee. Enacted April 4, 2006.
Benefits: Hospital or nursing home visitation rights, control over deceased loved one’s
remains, certificate of County recognition.
Note: Entire 10-member Democratic majority, as well as three Republicans, approved the
legislation.
Westchester County, New York (2002)
$35 fee, termination $35. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. Required to cohabit. Required
to be resident, or one partner must work in County. File affidavit with the County Clerk.
Termination when a partner files affidavit with Clerk and sends notice to other. 60-Day
termination wait period, no exemption for death of partner. Enacted November 27, 2002.
Benefits: Visitation accorded to spouses, next of kin or family members at any correctional
facility, hospital, nursing home or health care facility in Westchester.
Responsibilities: Financially interdependence.
Note: By July 2005, 239 couples registered. Only 146 can be identified as same-sex couples,
based on first names. They represent only 7 percent of the 2,112 same-sex couples in
Westchester who acknowledged their relationships in the last federal census. Female couples
outnumber male couples by 2-to-1. Seventy-three opposite-sex couples - exactly one third of
the sex-identified couples - also signed up, while the sexes of 20 couples with ambiguous
names could not be determined. Five couples have dissolved their registration.
North Carolina
Carrboro, North Carolina (1994)
$40 fee, amend $40, termination $40. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. NOT required to
cohabit. Required to reside in jurisdiction, or one partner works for Town. File affidavit
with Town Clerk. Termination when a partner files affidavit and sends copy to other. 12-month
termination wait period, no exemption for death of partner. Enacted October 1994.
Benefits: None specified.
Responsibilities: Share basic living expenses and be responsible for each other’s
welfare.
Chapel Hill, North Carolina (1995)
$50 fee, termination $50. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. Required to cohabit.
NOT required to reside in jurisdiction. Sign affidavit in front of Clerk or notary public.
Termination upon filing an affidavit. NO termination wait period. Enacted April 1995.
Benefits: Town employees receive equal family and sick leave benefits.
Responsibilities: Share basic living expenses, partners added to list of relatives.
Note: Ordinance creating a domestic partner registry does not specify that the partners must
live together, but the ordinance adding a definition of domestic partnership to the Town Code
defines domestic partners as living together.
North Dakota
No known registration.
Northern Mariana Islands
No known registration
Ohio
Cleveland, Ohio (2008)
Must be same-sex only, 18 or older, neither may be married or in existing domestic partnership
with someone else. $55 fee. Couples do not have to live in Cleveland.
City Council voted for the law on December 08, 2008. Mayor Frank Jackson approved and registration
became available on May 7, 2009.
Benefits?: Nonbinding. It could prompt employers, hospitals and other organizations to offer
rights and obligations typically available only to those with a legal marriage. Or not.
Note: On October 1, 2010, in a unanimous decision, the Court of Appeals of Ohio, Eighth Appellate
District, upheld a lower court’s dismissal of a lawsuit brought by an anti-gay group, Alliance
Defense Fund, that attempted to strip away the newly enacted domestic partnership registry for
same-sex couples and their families.
Cleveland’s Domestic Partner Application Form
Cleveland Heights, Ohio (2003)
$50 fee residents, $65 others. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. Required to cohabit.
NOT required to reside in jurisdiction. Both partners sign, notarize, and submit declaration
with City. Termination process not specified. 90-day termination wait period, unless
terminated by death. Enacted November 4, 2003, effective January 2004.
Benefits: None specified.
Responsibilities: Mutual interdependence.
Note 1: Information from the Town Web site which goes far out of the way to define the
registration and (desperately?) differentiate it from legal marriage:
“The signing of this Registry does not in and of itself confer any legal rights,
privileges or status upon the signers and it is not intended that the signing of the
Registry will in any way effect or conflict with the laws of the State of Ohio governing
marriage.”
“ ‘Share a common residence’ means that both domestic partners share the
same residence. It is not necessary that the legal right to possess the common residence
be in both of their names. Two people have a common residence even if one or both have
additional residences. Domestic partners do not cease to have a common residence if one
leaves the common residence but intends to return.”
“ ‘Mutual interdependence’ means that each partner contributes to the
maintenance and support of the relationship. It does not mean that the partners need to
contribute equally.
Note 2: The first registry to be put in place by public ballot initiative (Issue 35).
Note 3: By January 26, 2005, 120 couples registered - 102 were same-sex couples - 58 from
Cleveland Heights, 41 from other Cleveland suburbs, 18 from Ohio cities outside the Cleveland
area; and three from other states.
Note 4: Councilman Jimmie Hicks Jr., backed by a national radical right-wing Christian group
had filed a suit against the registry, saying it overstepped the city’s powers provided
by the state constitution. In May 2004, Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge Robert Glickman
dismissed the suit, saying the registry confers no legal status on the couples who sign up.
Hicks’ Cincinnati lawyer, David Langdon, appealed to the 8th Ohio District Court of
Appeals where the case is pending. In December 2004, Langdon, armed with the new
anti-marriage anti-any-contract between same-sex couples constitutional amendment, said he
expected to file a new suit.
Domestic Partner Registration Information: clevelandheights.com/index.aspx?page=339
Oklahoma
No known registration.
Oregon
Because of two suits and several court rulings, Oregon allows full legal marriage, as of June 4, 2014.
Oregon State (2007 - expanded 2009)
$50-60 fee varies by county. Certified copy less than $10, varies by county. Requires 6-month
cohabitation.
Benefits: Originally none were specified. However, it is used to trigger government employment
benefits.
Responsibilities: basic living expenses (food, shelter, and any other expenses of maintaining
a household).
Note 1: The registration was legally challenged. On August 14, 2008, a three-judge panel of the
U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled to protect the domestic partnership law. Basic Rights
Oregon campaigned heavily to ensure there will be no 2008 anti-LGBT referendum.
Note 2: On April 27, 2009, House Bill 2839 passed which expands the legal ramifications
of a domestic partnership to include:
* Taxation and health insurance benefits and entitlements;
* Taking in a domestic partner’s surname;
* Clarification of “domestic partnership” and “civil unions” from other states, so that Oregon
will recognise them as “domestic partnerships.”
[See the State’s bill: House Bill 2839]
Ashland, Oregon (October 1999)
$25 fee, termination $25. Same-sex couples only. Required to cohabit. NOT required to reside
in jurisdiction. Complete affidavit and file certificate with City Recorder or retain
certificate as private record. Termination upon death, file statement of termination and
proof of attempt to notify other partner. 6-month termination wait period, no exemption for
death of partner. Enacted October 1999.
Benefits: None specified.
Responsibilities: Share common necessities of life, responsible for each other’s
welfare, and “intend to remain together indefinitely.”
Note: Registration was passed by the City Council and is not authorized by an ordinance;
rather it is simply a city program.
Eugene, Oregon (2002)
$50 fee, termination NO fee. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. Required to cohabit.
NOT required to reside in jurisdiction. File signed statement. Termination upon death, one or
both partners files statement of termination with City, if only one partner signs, must
provide statement that partner has been notified. 6-month termination wait period, no
exemption for death of partner. Enacted November 2002.
Benefts: None specified.
Multnomah County, Oregon (2000)
$60 fee, termination $25. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. Required to cohabit.
NOT required to reside in jurisdiction. File certificate with Marriage License Section - both
partners must be present). Termination upon death, file termination statement, send certified
notice to other partner. 6-month termination wait period, no exemption for death of partner.
Enacted July 2000.
Benefits: None specified.
Responsibilities: Share common necessities of life.
Note: A joint registry with the city of Portland.
Forms: co.multnomah.or.us/dbcs/assess_tax/dompar.shtml
Portland, Oregon (2000)
$? fee.
Benefits: None specified.
Note: Joint registry with Multnomah County.
Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (1998)
Life Partnership Verification Statement
$10 fee. Same-sex couples only. Required to cohabit. NOT required to reside in jurisdiction.
Submit Statement to Commission on Human Relations. Termination upon death, file termination
statement, effective after 60 days. 6-month termination wait period, no exemption for death
of a partner. Enacted May 1998.
Benefits: Tax waved on real estate transfers between members of same-sex couples.
Benefits: Exclusion from real property transfer tax, benefits for City employees.
Responsibilities: Share basic living expenses.
Puerto Rico
No known registration
Rhode Island
No known registration.
South Carolina
No known registration.
South Dakota
No known registration.
Tennessee
No known registration.
Texas
Travis County, Texas (1993)
$16 fee, termination NO fee. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. Required to cohabit.
NOT required to reside in jurisdiction. Sign declaration form in front of Deputy
County Clerk. Termination upon death, a partner files dissolution form and notifies other.
6-month termination wait period, no exemption for death of a partner. Enacted October 1993.
Only known place to register is in the Travis County Clerk’s office:
5501 Airport Blvd., Austin, TX 78751-1410; 512-854-9188; fax 512-854-4526
Benefits: None specified. However, it is used primarily by Austin city employees as a
partnership affidavit for medical benefits.
Responsibilities: Share basic living expenses.
Note: As of March 22, 2004, 665 agreements had been filed.
Utah
No known registration.
Vermont
Because of legislation, Vermont allows full legal marriage.
Please see our article: Vermont Offers Legal Marriage
Vermont State
“Civil Unions”
$20 fee. Same-sex couples only. NOT required to cohabit. NOT required to reside in
jurisdiction. Obtained in person from town clerks. “Certified” within 60
days by justices of the peace, judge, or willing member of the clergy. License becomes a
Union upon delivery to town clerk’s office where license was obtained within 10 days to
be registered and legally binding. Termination same as dissolution of legal marriage;
only in Family Court, by one of the partner residing in Vermont for a year. NO
termination wait period (after year residency). Enacted July 2000.
Benefits: Extensive. All rights given to legally married couples under state law.
Responsibilities: All responsibilities given to legally married couples under state law.
Forms: sec.state.vt.us/municipal/civil_mar.htm
sec.state.vt.us/otherprg/civilunions/civilunions.html
See our article: Vermont: “Civil Unions”
Virgin Islands
No known registration.
Virginia
No known registration.
Washington
Washington State - now offers legal marriage (2012)
See our article: Washington Offers Legal Marriage
Washington State (April 21, 2007 - expanded June 12, 2008)
Benefits: Covers many of the spousal rights that are offered to legally married
opposite-sex couples. For same-sex partners, as well as opposite-sex couples in which at
least one partner is past 62.
[See the State’s form: “Declaration of State Registered Domestic Partnership”]
[Also see our article: Domestic Partnership: The Washington Approach]
Lacy, Washington (2000)
$25 fee, NO termination fee. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. Required to cohabit, and
live in jurisdiction. File notarized application and return to City Clerk. Termination
when a partner files notarized termination notice with Clerk. NO termination wait period.
Enacted May 2000.
Benefits: None specified.
Responsibilities: Relationship of mutual support, caring, and commitment.
Olympia, Washington (1999)
$25 fee, NO termination fee. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. Required to cohabit.
NOT required to be residents. File notarized registration form with City Clerk; filing by
mail accepted. Termination when a partner asks for removal from registry via signed
termination form. NO termination wait period. Enacted December 1999, effective 2000.
Benefits: None specified.
Responsibilities: Relationship of mutual support, caring, and commitment
Note: As of October 2005, 193 couples registered.
Forms: www.olympiawa.gov/citygovernment/forms/dprapp
Seattle, Washington (1994)
$25 fee, NO termination fee. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. NOT required to cohabit.
NOT required to be residents. File registration with City Clerk. Termination when a partner
files notice of termination with Clerk. NO termination wait period. Enacted September 1994.
Benefits: Mutual support.
Responsibilities: Mutual support.
Note: As of July 1, 2003, at least 1,372 registered, 157 terminations.
Forms: cityofseattle.net/leg/clerk/dpr.htm
Tumwater, Washington (1999)
$25 fee, termination $25. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. NOT required to cohabit.
Required to be residents. File certificate of registration with General Services Department.
Termination upon filing notarized form with General Services. NO termination wait period.
Enacted December 1999.
Benefits: None specified.
Responsibilities: Relationship of mutual support, caring, and commitment
Forms: ci.tumwater.wa.us/City%20Departments/Personnel/Domestic%20Partnership%20Registration%20form.pdf
West Virginia
No known registration.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin State (June 29, 2009)
Benefits: certain dependent or survivor benefits for employee benefits, health and mental health
and after-death decision making, probate matters, property matters, motor vehicle titles,
hospitial visitation rights, end of life decision making, to take Family Medical Leave (FMLA)
to care for a sick or injured partner, or non-biological or non-adopted child. It also allows
state government workers, as well as University of Wisconsin faculty and staff, to include
domestic partners as part of group health insurance and retirement survivor benefits.
Note 2: The anti-gay Wisconsin Family Action filed a lawsuit against the state, in 2009, arguing
that the domestic partnership law is a violation of the 2006 anti-gay constitutional amendment
which bars marriage equality and recognition of any legal status that is “substantially similar”
to marriage. After the State Attorney General announced that his office would not defend the
state against the claim, Governor Doyle appointed special counsel to represent the state. The
Wisconsin Supreme Court rejected the case.
Note 2: On August 18, 2010, the Wisconsin Family Action and the Alliance Defense Fund filed a new
challenge to the domestic partnership registry.
[Also see our article: Domestic Partnership: The Wisconsin Approach]
Madison, Wisconsin (1998)
$25 fee, NO termination fee. Both same-and opposite-sex couples. Required to cohabit.
NOT required to be residents. File application with City Clerk. Termination when a partner
files notice of termination with Clerk, (effective 30 days after filing). 6-month termination
wait period. Enacted May 1990.
Benefits: Businesses in Madison that offer family memberships must offer them to partners and
dependents, discrimination in public accommodations is prohibited on the basis of domestic
partner status.
Responsibilities: Contribute mutually.
Note: Partners may be married to each other.
Forms: www.cityofmadison.com/clerk/Documents/DomPartAppFrm.pdf
Milwaukee, Wisconsin (1999)
$30 fee, copies $10, NO termination fee. Same-sex only. Required to cohabit. Required to live
in jurisdiction, must not be related to the degree that would bar legal marriage in
Wisconsin, and must have at least one of the following:
Joint ownership of a vehicle.
Joint bank or credit union account or credit account.
Jointly own or co-rent a residence.
Wills naming each other as primary beneficiary.
File declaration with City Clerk. Termination upon death, marriage, filing of termination
statement. 12-month termination wait period. Enacted September 1999.
Benefits: None specified.
Responsibilities: Relationship of mutual support, caring, and commitment.
Forms: milwaukee.gov/display/displayFile.asp?docid=2607&filename=/User/webmaster/LicenseDivision/domesticpartnership.pdf
Wyoming
No known registration.
U.S. Military
No known registration. Currently, the military throws soldiers out of the service if they are known to be gay or lesbian.
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