Domestic Partnerships in New York
How Is a Domestic Partnership Defined Under New York Law?
In New York, a domestic partnership is defined as a legal relationship between two people who live with one another and share much of their lives, but are not married or united in a civil union. Under some state laws, including those of California and Nevada, domestic partnerships function in much the same way and legally recognized unions, whereas other states may bestow fewer rights to individuals in domestic partnerships.
How the law views domestic relationships is continually evolving, and depends on the jurisdiction where a couple resides. For example, couples who reside together for a long period of time may be eligible for various legal rights in a domestic partnership, provided it is established in the jurisdiction. Ultimately, registration of a domestic partnership allows for the jurisdiction to formally recognize the relationship.
Protecting Your Rights through a Domestic Partnership
Domestic partners may be entitled to certain rights, including the recognition of contribution one individual makes to the property of the other. Devices like the constructive trust are options which may be used by partners in legal marriages, but may not be available to domestic partners. This has prompted courts to find another way to protect the partner who makes contributions to the other’s property.
Some couples enter into a domestic partnership to agree on issues involving:
- Property ownership
- Support obligations
- Issues common to marriage
Same-Sex Marriage vs. Domestic Partnerships in New York
Although same-sex marriage is now legal in all U.S. states, domestic partnership is still an option. It does, however, come with more limited rights. In New York, lawfully married individuals, including those in same-sex marriages, are entitled to more rights and benefits than those registered as domestic partners. Furthermore, if a couple enters into a same-sex marriage in a state other than New York, they are still entitled to some of the same rights and benefits available to lawfully married couples in the state.
If you have questions about domestic partnerships in New York, please schedule an initial consultation with our divorce attorney, Lois M. Brenner, Esq. Call now: (646) 663-4546.
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Lois Brenner was great to work with. She was very thorough and efficient! I would recommend Lois to anyone seeking an amicable divorce.- RW
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Lois is a “Rock Star” I was very worried about my daughter who was in a really bad marriage. I started researching divorce attorneys and found Lois Brenner. I called her, discussed my daughter’s horrible marriage and she agreed to meet with us. Since my daughter’s husband wanted out of the marriage too (he was cheating), Lois suggested she help them dissolve their marriage in mediation. To my surprise it worked out. Lois was able to keep my daughter and husband from fighting during their sessions, and she helped them resolve all their financial issues. Since I was paying the fees to help my daughter, not having to go to court saved us a great deal of money. As a father, I am truly grateful for everything Lois did. Her talks with me in the beginning of the process, to calm me down, really helped. I would highly recommend her to anyone thinking of divorce.- Graham (happy dad)
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Dealing with this firm was a gift from above. They were very understanding and made the whole process painless. They are open after regular work hours which was super convenient for a working professional. As a Surgeon in NYC going through this process the firm was very accommodating to my changing schedule. I am forever grateful that the firm was able to find a great solution to all issues so that everyone was taken into account and came to a responsible agreement. Thank you Lois Brenner you are the best!- Jose Loor
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Amazing, Skillful Mediator!!!! We went to see Lois Brenner for a mediation consultation. We had pretty much decided our marriage was over. We just wanted to end things fair and amicably. Lois Brenner spent so much time with us, and gave us great insight as to how the process would help us, we hired her on the spot. Our sessions thereafter were stealth. She organized us, helped us identify and address all the issues. She showed us how to communicate effectively throughout the process. We were able to address all our issues, especially property and finances, arrive at a comfortable settlement agreement, and now we are waiting for the judge to sign our divorce. What an extraordinary process. I highly recommend Lois Brenner and mediation. She’s super, and mediation really works.- Maggie & Josh
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We were looking for a mediator to help us with visitation issues we were having due to the pandemic. With all the problems we were having getting the kids back and forth, and arguing about taking trains and buses during visitations, we called Lois Brenner to help us make some decisions. She really set us straight. She spent a lot of time with us so we could get a parenting agreement together to set some rules we could both agree to. I feel a lot better now. Thank you Ms. Brenner.- Dina
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