Best Foreclosure Lawyers in Los Angeles, CA

In A Domestic Partnership? Make Sure You Have A Will A domestic partnership is an arrangement between two people. Though they are not legally married, domestic partners live together and share household and financial responsibilities. Also, though the term "domestic partnership" is most common, some states call this arrangement a "civil union" or "civil partnership." It exists in some states as an alternative to traditional marriage for both same-sex couples and partners of the opposite sex. What does a domestic partnership do? It formalizes the relationship in a legal sense. Partners do not have all the same rights as a married couple, but they may have privileges when it comes to hospital visits, medical decisions, and control of common property. The details of these legal rights vary by jurisdiction, but it is always essential to understand the nuances of the arrangement. Most importantly, you need to make sure you have a will that details your wishes related to property, inheritance, and other estate-related issues. Why Do Domestic Partners Need a Will? If you or your partner die intestate (without a will), state law will dictate what happens to your estate. This can raise a few issues. First, if your domestic partnership is registered in a municipality, it might not be recognized by the state at all. Even if your domestic partnership is registered at the state level, the rules vary widely from place to place.