Both partners are entitled equally to manage and control all community property. Debt — Domestic partners' community property may be taken to satisfy debts incurred by either partner before and during the partnership in the same manner that married spouses' community property may be taken to satisfy such debts.
Rights Granted in a Domestic Partnership vs. a Marriage Joint tax benefits. Estate planning benefits. Government benefits, such as social security. Insurance benefits. Financial support. Consumer benefits. Assets are divided in divorce. Assets can be transferred to a spouse without tax.
One of these drawbacks is a lack of federal recognition. The U.S. government does not recognize domestic partnerships. Consequently, partners do not receive federal benefits such as Social Security survivor benefits. Additionally, domestic partners do not receive the same rights in legal proceedings as married couples.
To enter a domestic partnership in California, both partners must be 18 or older (barring a few niche exceptions), live with one another in a common residence, not be related by blood, and not be married or part of another official domestic partnership.
No. To be entitled to the legal benefits and protections of the state Domestic Partnership law, you must be registered for a Domestic Partnership with the California Secretary of State.