California Domestic Partnership Attorney

Lawyer Protecting the Rights of Same Sex Couples

In the state of California, same sex couples are not awarded the same benefits giving to traditional married couples. California law does not recognize marriages between homosexual couples but does allow some similar benefits as heterosexual married couples. They are however, not without hope. By working with an experienced California domestic partnership lawyer, they can take the necessary steps towards legally battling for their deserved amount of legal rights. At Claery & Green, we understand that there are hundreds of same sex couples who have built families, shared assets and provided substantially to their communities who are seeking benefits that the state has to offer. We know the unique nuances in cases such as domestic partnership terminations and custody agreements and will work tirelessly to assist our clients protect their rights. We can help with a variety of issues, including (but not limited to):

Registration of Domestic Partnership

California recognizes domestic partnerships for same sex couples under California Family Code section 297. Same sex couples are offered similar benefits to heterosexual couples if they file for a domestic partnership. Learn more about registering and the domestic partnerships in California here.

Termination of Domestic Partnership

Terminating a partnership restores the couple to the status that they were before they applied for the domestic partnership. According to the California law, the division of property and assets may happen. Termination does not dissolve the partnership.

Dissolution of Domestic Partnership

Dissolution of a partnership has 13 requirements to actually dissolve the agreed partnership. Learn more about the requirements and how to dissolve your domestic partnership here.

Nullity of Domestic Partnership

Annulling domestic partnerships allows the couple involved in the partnership to void the partnership restore both partners to the status they entered into the agreement as.

Legal Separation of Domestic Partners

Legal separation of domestic partners is similar to the separation of opposite sex couples. A legal separation does not end a marriage, but does separate finances and property. This is a legal matter than does need the guidance of an experienced attorney.

Estate Planning for Domestic Partners

Planning for your future in estate planning is important. You do not want to leave your property, assets and loved ones at the mercy of the California court system. Be prepared for the unexpected by creating a living trust or a drafted a will.

Cohabitation Agreements

Unmarried couples in California should set up a cohabitation agreement. These agreements govern certain expectations such as finances and property. Agreements can be implied, written or oral.

Domestic Partner Adoption

Same sex couples who are looking to start a family almost always have to look into adoptions. Adoptions in California are only available to domestic partner registered couples. The adoptions can be as a step-parent adopting a partner's child from another marriage or for the couple to do adopt an non-biological child of their own.

Custody & Visitation

Child custody is always determined in the best interest of the child. If the child is from a heterosexual marriage and one parent is now residing with a same sex partner, the parent may not be granted primary custody of their child. If the child is adopted by the same sex couple who has separated, visitation and custody laws governing them are similar to opposite sex laws.

Marvin Actions

Marvin actions, also known as "palimony" laws, is similar to spousal support. In the event of a termination of a domestic partnership, one of the domestic partners may be eligible for palimony. Whether you are seeking for support or ordered to give spousal support, learn more about Marvin actions here.

Same Sex Domestic Violence

Same sex domestic violence is a serious problem. Some studies show that 1 in 4 gay men will experience some sort of domestic violence, either physical, emotional, sexual or even financial. Laws governing same sex domestic violence are similar to heterosexual domestic violence cases and are punishable by prison time and anger management courses.

Domestic Partnership Lawyer in California

At our firm, we understand the emotional distress associated with legal issues surrounding same sex couples. We have seen time and time again how a case can get mishandled, and are therefore unwaveringly devoted to helping our clients fight for their rights. We are able to help our clients, no matter their background or situation. We stand ready as advocates for the gay, lesbian and transgender community - you can be confident working with us knowing that we will do everything in our power to help you. When you work with a lawyer from our firm, you can breathe easier knowing that we will do everything in our power to help protect your rights. We will leave no stone unturned as we work through the legal process to help you achieve your desirable result.

Contact a California Domestic Partnership Lawyer at our firm as soon as you possibly can to learn more about how we can help you with your legal issues relating to domestic partnerships.