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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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“Donna is amazing! Very supportive, quick with response and willing to fight for you.”
Donna is amazing! Very supportive, quick with response and willing to fight for you. She made my proceedings go so smoothly, provided all information and options I needed to decide what was best for me, and is there if I'm in need of any other information. Highly recommend!- Anonymous -
“They are definitely five stars in their legal experience”
“They are definitely five stars in their legal experience”- Bryan -
“Donna and Michael handled my case with care”
“Donna and Michael handled my case with care”- Laura Q. -
“I highly recommend them!”
“The attorneys and staff were professional and helped guide me through a difficult process. The fees were very reasonable and the entire process took much less time than I anticipated. I highly recommend them!”- Michael S. -
“5 stars is not enough.”
5 stars is not enough. Mr. Mehas and Ms. Santo are the A team of attorneys. They are comprehensive, strategic, one step ahead, and a powerful team! When you hire the Santo Mehas firm to manage your case, you have hired a team of legal advocates who care, who will keep you informed, who will fight for you, and be the voice you need to represent you. Without the help of the entire firm, I know that I would not have had the successful outcomes I have had. They took on an extremely difficult case and encountered issues that no one expected and few had ever seen. They worked tirelessly to make sure that the truth was told and presented it perfectly. They stood by every one of my requests and guided me through the entire lengthy process. Though there were challenges, they strategically and diligently with compassion met them head on and never faltered. Their expertise and thoroughness provided us the pathway we needed to rise to victory. I am proud to be a client and will continue to retain them for all legal matters that may arise as I know I am in the best hands.- Christy B. -
“A knowledgeable attorney with a strong character and ethical integrity.”
- Donald T.Thank you Michael for everything you have done for me. You are a knowledgeable attorney with a strong character and ethical integrity.
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“Santo Mehas is the law firm you want on your side.”
If you have to go through divorce and child custody, Santo Mehas is the law firm you want on your side. Both lawyers are very professional and knowledgeable yet caring and want the best for their clients. They work hard for their clients at every level and go above and beyond to make their clients relaxed and comfortable with the family law processes.- Jasmin R. -
“We are forever grateful to Mr. Mehas”
Hiring Santo Mehas Professional Law Firm, specifically Michael Mehas has been a tremendous blessing. Divorce and child custody is a very stressful, unpleasant and unpredictable experience and Mr. Mehas has been our sword and shield throughout the process. Without the support and guidance of his expertise, I’m not sure where my family would be. We are forever grateful to Mr. Mehas for fighting for us and we are very happy with the outcome of our case.- Lupe V.
