Get DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP DECLARATION - Washington Secretary ... - Sos Wa

The term “domestic partnership” is defined as a committed relationship between two adults, of the opposite sex or same sex, in which the partners—

A domestic partnership is an arrangement in which two people live together and are in a committed relationship without being legally married. It shares many of the same benefits as being married. Domestic partnerships are composed of two people of any gender, which includes male, female, or nonbinary people.

To be officially “registered” as domestic partners with the State of California, certain criteria must be me: Both persons must have a common residence. They must agree to be responsible for each other's basic living expenses. Neither person can be married or a member of another domestic partnership.

A Confidential Declaration of Domestic Partnership is a permanent record that is not open to public inspection except upon issuance of a court order showing good cause.

The difference between a marriage and domestic partnership relates to the protections you will receive under state and federal law. With a domestic partnership, you and your partner will not receive any of the benefits that married couples get under federal law.

While most domestic partnerships are a matter of public record, a confidential domestic partnership “is a permanent record that is not open to the public.” The members of a confidential domestic partnership may obtain a copy of their filing documents.

You may register by completing a Confidential Declaration of Domestic Partnership Form DP-1A, having both partners' signatures notarized, and submitting the form with the appropriate fee to the California Secretary of State.

Both of you must sign a “Declaration of State Registered Domestic Partnership” form in front of a public notary, and pay a $50 filing fee. You can mail the signed and notarized form with the filing fee, or hand deliver your forms to the Secretary of State's Office in Olympia, Washington.