Should We Register As Domestic Partners In Multiple Jurisdictions?
Answered by Courtney Joslin, staff attorney at the National Center for Lesbian Rights. Jan. 23, 2003
Overlapping domestic partner registries
Q: Dear Courtney,
My partner and I have registered our domestic partnership with the state of California. But we live in a city with a registry and my partner works in a city with yet another registry. Do we need register in multiple places?
Thanks,
Margaret
A: Dear Margaret,
Generally, it is advisable to register with both the state and the cities in which you live and work to ensure that your right to benefits available through each jurisdiction is secure. In practice, if you are registered with the state, some cities will automatically treat you as though you are registered locally. Nevertheless, there is no downside to registering with the city, as well.
If one day you and your partner should break up, however, remember to file the appropriate paperwork in every jurisdiction in which you are registered.
As for California state domestic partner benefits, you must register with the state to receive them. Registration with a city or an employer is never sufficient to entitle you to the state domestic partner benefits.
For more information about the California state registry, visit the Domestic Partners chapter and the California secretary of state's website.
Sincerely,
Courtney Joslin
Joslin is staff attorney at the National Center for Lesbian Rights.
Jan. 23, 2003