Request a Consultation
Our Latest Blog
General Law

Legal Lens: How 3 States Handle the Termination of Domestic Partnerships

Legal Lens: How 3 States Handle the Termination of Domestic Partnerships

Approximately 10% of the population in the U.S. is divorced, but not all divorces come as the result of ending a marriage. Domestic partnerships, while different than marriage in some ways, can still be terminated just like marriages. The legal standards are a little bit different, but the process can be just as exhausting.

Not all states recognize domestic partnership as a form of legally defining a relationship, but those that do have slightly different requirements when it comes to terminating the legal status of said relationship. Here is a short look at how three different states handle the termination of domestic partnerships.

California
In California, there are two different ways to end a domestic partnership. If specific legal requirements are met, you can file a Notice of Termination of Domestic Partnership with the California Secretary of State. If any of the specific requirements are not met, a different petition must be filled out. The proceedings in this case are very similar to divorce. It is even recommended that you hire a divorce lawyer to assist in the process.

New Jersey
Terminating a domestic partnership in New Jersey requires filing with the Superior Court. The fees for filing the termination are the same as those regarding divorce mediation. In addition, the grounds for terminating a domestic partnership are the same as those for filing for divorce.

Maine
If you want to end a domestic partnership and you live in Maine, at least one of the people involved in the domestic partnership has to have lived in the state for at least six months prior to the request for termination. However, there is an exception to the rule if adultery, extreme cruelty, or another common ground for divorce occurred before the six month requirement was met.

A domestic partnership may not have all the same legal benefits that a marriage does, but it still legally defines a relationship and must be terminated as such. This means that just like divorce, terminating a domestic partnership can be a long and messy process. But more than anything, you should make sure you are following all of the requirements set forth by the state in which you live.