Colorado Springs
Domestic Partnership
Lawyer
Domestic Partnership Attorney
Before you enter into a domestic partnership in Colorado, it is imperative that you understand what a domestic partnership is and what it is not. If you and your intended partner are living together and wish to be recognized legally as domestic partners, you will have to go through a registration process to make your domestic partnership official.
In Colorado, domestic partnerships are also called “civil unions” and can take place between two consenting cohabitating partners (regardless of sex or gender). Individuals consenting to a legal domestic partnership are confirming that they are mutually committed to living together within a caring relationship.
Our Lawyers Understand Family Law
The domestic partnership lawyers at Johnson Law Group are dedicated to helping couples in domestic partnerships understand their rights, protect their union, and navigate legal matters. Our lawyers have a thorough understanding of family law and are experienced in advocating for couples in all stages of domestic partnership.
We understand the complexity and nuance of domestic partnerships and how they differ from traditional marriages, and we can provide unique solutions to issues that arise in these partnerships. If you are in a domestic partnership and need legal assistance, we have qualified attorneys here in our Colorado Springs office who can provide sound advice and support on the matter.
Who Qualifies for a Domestic Partnership in Colorado?
To qualify to enter into a domestic partnership in Colorado Springs, CO, both parties in the cohabitating couple must meet certain requirements. Under the law, you (and your intended domestic partner) qualify for a legal partnership only if you both meet the following criteria:
- Are at least 18 years of age at the time of registration
- Are unmarried
- Are competent to consent to the partnership
- Are sharing a common household
- Are not legally partnered with someone else
If you and your partner meet these requirements, you can proceed with registering for legal recognition. A legally recognized domestic partnership provides benefits that are advantageous to couples looking to build a life together.
frequently asked questions domestic partnership
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How Do I Prove a Domestic Partnership in Colorado?The only way to validate a legal domestic partnership in Colorado is to have both parties sign an affidavit swearing that they both consent to the partnership. The affidavit is specifically intended to prove you and your domestic partner intend to remain committed to one another and mutually vow to care for and provide support for one another.
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Does Colorado Recognize Domestic Partnerships?Yes, domestic partnerships are legally recognized in the state of Colorado. Once both parties have gone through the process of officially registering the partnership, they are eligible to take advantage of the benefits of official recognition for applicable insurance and tax purposes. To learn more, please feel free to speak to a domestic partnership attorney from our team about having a free consultation.
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How Is a Domestic Partnership Different From a Marriage?Domestic partnerships and marriages have several major differences. Unlike marriage, domestic partnerships are not recognized in all 50 states. This means that individuals in domestic partnerships may face obstacles that married couples do not once they cross state lines. For example, domestic partners are not guaranteed universal acceptance under their partner’s medical insurance and are not guaranteed automatic inheritance of assets or death benefits if their partner should die.
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Is a Domestic Partner the Same as a Common law Spouse?Colorado is one of 11 states that recognize common law marriages and domestic partnerships. The two terms are often used interchangeably, but they are legally not the same. The process for qualifying for a domestic partnership also differs from qualifying for a common law marriage. Domestic partners need to register to be legally recognized in the state, but common law spouses do not need documentation to be legally recognized. Common law marriages also afford couples more benefits than domestic partnerships, including tax exemptions and social security benefits.
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Are Domestic Partnerships in Colorado Recognized Nationwide?The short answer is, “No.” Domestic partnerships are only recognized in a handful of states, so once a couple in a domestic partnership leaves their state, there are no guarantees that they can share benefits or engage in civil matters the way they are able to do in their respective state of legal recognition.
Our Attorneys Meet Your Legal Team
At Johnson Law Group, our team of skilled and understanding legal professionals proudly provides comprehensive and efficient legal services for all clients.
Termination of a Domestic Partnership
Domestic partnerships must be officially registered in court to be legally recognized. Therefore, domestic partnerships must also be legally terminated. Under most circumstances, the termination of a domestic partnership requires participation from both parties. If both partners wish to end their partnership, they must submit a Notice of Termination to their local city clerk’s office with their signatures and the required $25 termination fee. If one partner wants to end a domestic partnership without the other party, he or she must prove they have made attempts to notify the other partner about the termination but have been unsuccessful in locating the other party.
It is important to note that if one partner dies, the domestic partnership would end, and the surviving partner would be able to move on into another relationship if/when desired. Domestic partnerships can also be terminated when one or both partners are no longer meeting the requirements in the partnership affidavit.
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Individualized AttentionJust as each family is unique, so is each family legal matter. We always take the time to completely understand your situation so that we can tailor our advice and strategy accordingly.
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Highly RecommendedOur clients often take the time to write and thank us, not only for the results we have earned for them but also for the respect we’ve shown them.
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Supportive CounselWe never lose sight of the fact that divorce and other household conflicts can feel overwhelming. Our family lawyers will answer all of your questions to ease your burden in this difficult time.
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They were very professional and showed heart warming empathy towards me. The entire group treated my like an actual person and not just another client. My questions were always answered in a timely manner and the process was so easy. I would absolutely recommend the Johnson Law Group to anyone reading this and I will be telling anyone I know, that may also need their services. They will treat you right and be in your corner.- Kimberly D.
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He was responsive, efficient, and coordinated well with my wife’s attorney. Very happy with the final result.- Nick
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- Lisa H.
Shana Velazquez and Julie Hernandez helped me with my divorce and they were amazing. Shana was so good about explaining everything to me and calming my anxiety. Being 64 and going through a divorce was very daunting to me and I appreciate their help and kind words more than words can say. I highly recommend them!
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Andrea Dulton, Is pleasant, professional, extremely knowledgeable. I feel confident that she is going to win our Case. On a personal note, I like her, she makes me comfortable.- Kim E.
Jenny Little is a professional, patient, and knowledgeable individual. Regrettably, I haven’t had the chance to meet Jenny in person. -
Myles is the most amazing attorney to ever exist. He is always responsive. Cut me a couple deals with phone conversations. He was so helpful throughout the entire process and really cares for his clients. My family would not be whole if it wasn’t for him. I will forever be indebted to him and would refer anyone that needs a family law attorney to this practice. Thank you so much Myles.- Corey
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- Morgan M.
Katie and Daniel were both attentive and able to handle a case of mine in a short period of time. I highly recommend this firm.
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I was in a very difficult custody/child support dispute with my ex-spouse. The Johnson law Group and in particular Elizabeth Gregory was phenomenal with their representation of my case. Working with her was such a wonderful experience, kept our goals at the top of every conversation, knew all points and avenues that we could take, never lead us in the wrong direction. I would recommend this firm to anyone who is going through a family law issue.- Liz
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- Crystal H.
I came to the Johnson Law Group during a time of extreme stress. Andrea Dalton accepted my case and made me feel right at ease. She is compassionate, gives sound advice, and helped me obtain over $20,000 that my ex husband was illegally withholding from me. I appreciate her for giving me the confidence to stand up for myself. If I have any issues with my ex in the future, I will not hesitate to reach out to Andrea for help.
Helping Our Clients Settle Domestic Partnership Matters in Colorado
We understand that while some couples don’t wish to be legally married, they do wish to officially recognize their union in other ways and support one another. If you and your partner need help with registering, validating, or terminating your domestic partnership, the attorneys at Johnson Law Group can help. Our team is a stellar group of experienced family law attorneys who have a comprehensive understanding of legal domestic partnerships.
A member of our legal team would be happy to assist you with making an appointment to address your concerns and help you better understand how to navigate your legal domestic partnership.
If you want to know more about the registration process or your rights as an officially recognized domestic partner, please contact our Colorado Springs office to request a free consultation today.
