Affidavit of Domestic Partnership

A domestic partnership affidavit is also sometimes referred to as a Domestic Partnership Agreement, Declaration of Domestic Partnership, or Domestic Partnership Application. While the specific requirements vary by location, this document generally affirms that the couple lives together, is in a committed relationship, and meets the legal conditions set by their city or state.

Common Benefits of Domestic Partnerships

Depending on the jurisdiction, recognized domestic partners may be entitled to:

• Hospital visitation and medical decision rights
• Health insurance coverage under a partner’s plan
• Inheritance and property rights
• Parental rights, including adoption or guardianship
• Tax and insurance benefits
• Family leave and bereavement rights

States with Legal Recognition

Full Recognition
Some states and the District of Columbia fully recognize domestic partnerships or similar legal unions, such as civil unions or reciprocal beneficiary relationships. These include:

• California
• Colorado*
• District of Columbia
• Hawaii
• Illinois*
• Maine
• Maryland
• Nevada
• Oregon
  

*Note: In Colorado and Illinois, applications must be submitted online through the appropriate county clerk’s office.

Limited Recognition
Other states offer domestic partnership rights only in specific circumstances (e.g., for same-sex couples, seniors, or government employees). These states include:

Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin.

General Requirements

While exact requirements vary, most jurisdictions require the following:

• Both parties must be at least 18 years old
• Must be mentally competent
• Cannot be married or in a domestic partnership/civil union with someone else
• Cannot be closely related by blood
• Must have lived together for a designated period (often 6–12 months)
• Must enter the partnership voluntarily, without coercion