You may have heard people joke around about domestic partnerships before, but the truth is that they may have a few distinct advantages you were not previously aware of. Despite what many people think, domestic partnerships are quite different than a legal marriage.
While many people only think of domestic partnerships in terms of same-sex couples, just about anyone can legally file for a domestic partnership if they meet certain requirements. Here are a few differences between domestic partnerships and marriage that may be helpful to you.
What is a domestic partnership?
Before we get into the differences between domestic partnership and marriage, it is important to understand exactly what a domestic partnership is. While it was originally designed to give same-sex couples the basic legal protections granted to a married couple, the provision is now available to any couples who cohabitate. The legal benefits vary from state to state, but in many cases, domestic partnership allows you to carry your partner on health and dental insurance, as well as to be considered next of kin for estate planning and last will and testament purposes.
There is still a formal application
Many couples may refer to themselves as domestic partners, but the proper legal action must be taken in order to receive any of the actual benefits that a domestic partnership entails. However, there are fewer formalities when it comes to dissolving a domestic partnership. Considering that the probability of a first marriage ending is 33% after 10 years, divorce law is less appealing than a simple court order.
Disadvantages exist
While a domestic partnership might seem like a great alternative to marriage, the truth is that you will not receive many of the legal benefits marriage has to offer. For example, a domestic partnership still requires separate tax returns, and may not receive Social Security benefits from each other. If these legal benefits are important to you, then you may want to consider marriage over domestic partnership.
There are several differences between domestic partnership and marriage, but ultimately the decision hinges on which legal benefits are the most important to you.