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Domestic Partnerships Guiding You Through Difficult Times

Ventura Domestic Partnership Attorneys

California Domestic Partnership Laws

Provisions governing California domestic partnerships can be found in the California Family Code. A domestic partnership is established when two parties meet certain criteria as specified by these laws.

How Can I Form a Registered Domestic Partnership in California?

To form a registered domestic partnership, each individual needs to file a Declaration of Domestic Partnership and fulfill the following criteria:

  • Both individuals are 18 years old (some exceptions are allowed)
  • The individuals cannot be blood related
  • Both individuals cannot be married or in another domestic partnership
  • Both individuals must consent to the domestic partnership
  • Both are members of the same sex or one or both is/are eligible for Social Security benefits and over *62 years old (this has been updated – see below)

*Governor Newsom signed a bill on July 30, 2019 redefining who is eligible for a registered domestic partnership, allowing opposite-sex couples under the age of 62 the option to form such a partnership. This new law was put into effect on January 1, 2020.

How Can I Terminate a Registered Domestic Partnership in California?

A domestic partnership can also be terminated under certain conditions. All these conditions are set forth in the California Family Code and must be met or the domestic partnership will be terminated through proceedings in California Superior Court.

California Domestic Partnerships & Same-Sex Marriages

The California Supreme Court issued a major decision on May 15, 2008 regarding same-sex marriages, which did not invalidate or change any of the California Family Code statutes related to registered domestic partners.

  • Registered domestic partnerships will continue to be active on California’s domestic partnership registry. 
  • The California Secretary of State will continue to process domestic partnership-related filings as permitted by the domestic partnership law.

If you have questions about how the California Supreme Court’s decision may apply to your circumstances, contact us online.

How Domestic Partnership Separations Work

A domestic partnership separation is treated just like a typical divorce. However, regardless of the situation, you should find an experienced attorney who has helped people with their child support, child custody, visitation, and/or property division case.

Do Registered Domestic Partners Have the Same Legal Rights as Spouses in California?

California law states that Registered Domestic Partners have many of the same rights as spouses. These rights include:

  • The ability to add a partner to state-administered health insurance benefits
  • The right to inheritance, should one partner die
  • The ability to raise a child born during the partnership
  • The ability to adopt a child born before the partnership
  • The right to own community property
  • The ability to take their domestic partner’s last name or combine their last names

How Our Ventura Domestic Partnership Lawyers Can Serve You

At SANTO MEHAS, negotiated settlement is always our preferred method of choice. In the event this is not possible, we are also able to help litigate your domestic partnership in court.

We take pride in the way we communicate and serve our clients. With us, there will always be someone available at our office to answer your questions and address your concerns.

Fill out a contact us form online or give us a call at (805) 222-7818 for help with your domestic partnership case. 

An Emphasis on Strong Family Values

Our firm places a strong emphasis on the importance of family values. The balance between maintaining these family values and generating a better future for you and your family is one we strive to achieve with each case. Our values consist of:
  • Holistic Approach

    We aim to resolve conflict so you and your family can move on peacefully. We approach all aspects of a case, including the emotional, financial, and mental components, and advocate with you throughout.

  • Collaboration

    Collaborative divorce can be a great option for spouses looking to share joint custody of their child/children and the court looks favorably on this decision. When possible, we strive to come to a resolution that will benefit both spouses.

  • Children Come First

    We respect the fact that our clients trust us with important life-decisions. We strive to be as understanding and empathetic as we can with you and treat you like we would treat a close family member.

  • Compassionate Legal Services

    We respect the fact that our clients trust us with important life-decisions. We strive to be as understanding and empathetic as we can with you and treat you like we would treat a close family member.

Our Satisfied Clients

Real Stories from Real People
  • “They have been absolutely phenomenal”
    “They have been absolutely phenomenal”
    - Dante H.
  • “I recommend them”
    Never fun needing to hire a lawyer but Michael and Donna were great to work with and helped to make the process go smoothly. They were both easy to reach, offered clear advice, and were honest in all of their interactions. I recommend them if you find yourself in need of solid legal help.
    - Brian L.
  • “Working with Donna Santos and Michael Mehas was such a blessing.”
    “Working with Donna Santos and Michael Mehas was such a blessing.”
    - Melissa A.
  • “Exceptional Lawyer”
    Attorney Michael Mehas was one of the most straight forward people I have ever met. He handled my cases immediately. He accomplished something for me and my family that three Los Angeles County divorce lawyers failed to do: He got child support from my ex husband within short periods of time. He guided me through the process with honest advice, and his legal fees were very reasonable, he's professional, and I have referred him to family members. Since then, Mr. Mehas has also handled several civil matters for me and is the only attorney I turn to when I need legal help. I’d hire him again, such a positive experience in the middle of a bad situation. Thank you, Michael Mehas, for all you've done for me and my family.
    - Jess
  • “I would definitely recommend their firm for anyone who needs family law assistance!”
    The SantoMehas team has been exceptional in handling my case. They are very experienced, have given me good advice and representation, and they have worked on my particularly complex case almost as if I were family. They have shown support beyond professionally, but also personally. They have worked with me financially, and are very fair and understanding. I would definitely recommend their firm for anyone who needs family law assistance!
    - Heather L.
  • “The divorce was finalized with agreeable terms. I am so glad to get this difficult time settled and behind us.”

    My son was filing for divorce and he had child custody problems. The divorce was contentious and we hired Donna Santo because she is well known for handling these types of difficult situations. She was very easy to work with and was able to do most of the family law work via phone or e-mail. The divorce was finalized with agreeable terms. I am so glad to get this difficult time settled and behind us, and we have a great relationship with our grandchild.

    - Rhonda A.
  • “I’d choose her services again without hesitation”
    “I’d choose her services again without hesitation”
    - Parker C.
  • “I highly recommend using them!”

    Donna Santo and Michael William Mehas have been amazing to work with. Very professional, knowledgeable , and kind. They helped me with a custody case and my family and I couldn’t be happier.

    They were a blessing to us and we will forever appreciate them.

    Thank you so much ❤️!

    I highly recommend using them!

    - Kirstie D.