Some couples in Florida may wonder what a domestic partnership is and how one is established in Florida. Domestic partnership in Florida can provide an alternative to traditional marriage for partners who maintain a significant personal, emotional and financial relationship. A domestic partnership can be registered in Florida and it can also be amended or terminated.
The requirements for a domestic partnership include that both partners are over the age of 18 and competent to enter into a contract; that neither partner is in another domestic partnership; neither partner has had a different domestic partner in the past 30 days; that the partners are not blood related; both partners consent to the domestic partnership; the partners agree to be jointly responsible for the food and shelter of the other partner; and, in Broward County, that the parties are domiciled in the county or subject to its Domestic Partnership Act of 1999.
Domestic partnerships must be officially registered and can be registered by completing the Declaration of Domestic Partnership form and properly submitting it. Another form is used to amend or terminate a domestic partnership and also must be completed and properly submitted to amend or end a domestic partnership. Registering for a domestic partnership can provide important legal rights and recognition for partners in a committed relationship to enjoy.
The legal process and family law resources provide important options for families in different situations and circumstances that do not always look the same. It is helpful when partners, couples and families are familiar with these options and the benefits they provide so they can select legal options and resources that are best for them and their family.
Source: Broward County Government, “Domestic Partnership,” Accessed June 27, 2016