A girlfriend can be considered a domestic partner if both individuals live together and share a domestic life similar to that of a married couple, but this designation can vary based on legal definitions and individual circumstances.
In order to have the rights provided by State law to registered domestic partnerships, you must be registered with California's statewide registry. The Declaration of Domestic Partnership Form DP-1 and the Confidential Declaration of Domestic Partnership Form DP-1A are available online through our website.
Couples who are in a domestic partnership are not able to file their taxes jointly because they are not recognized as married by the federal government. There also is no guarantee that the partners will be able to receive healthcare from their partner's plans.
Requirements for a City-administered domestic partnership Reside together and share the common necessities of life. Not be married to anyone. Be at least eighteen (18) years of age or older. Not be related by blood so close as to bar marriage in the State of California and are mentally competent to consent to contract.