So You Wanna Be Officially "Not Married" in New York? Let's Get Domestic Partnered!
Thinking about tying the knot... with a twist? Domestic partnerships in New York offer a cool alternative to marriage, perfect for couples who wanna make it official but keep things chill. But before you bust out the matching sweatpants (because, let's be real, that's the real uniform of a domestic partnership), there are a few things to know.
Who You Gonna Partner With? (Besides Netflix)
First things first, this ain't a threesome with your favorite streaming service. Domestic partnerships are for committed couples, so grab your partner-in-crime (the non-criminal kind, hopefully) who you're ready to be officially not-married with.
Here's the eligibility checklist, just to make sure you're not accidentally domestic partnering with your mailman (although, Kevin seems like a nice guy):
- 18 years old or older (sayonara, high school sweethearts): This one's a no-brainer.
- Not married or already in a domestic partnership (avoid the "double dipping" drama): Keep it monogamous (to domestic partnerships, that is).
- Not related by blood in a way that would make your grandma clutch her pearls: Eww, David. Just eww.
- Living together and sharing expenses (like that last slice of pizza): Prove you can adult together.
Basically, you gotta be a committed couple who isn't already married and isn't looking to recreate Game of Thrones Targaryen family dynamics.
The Not-So-Secret Ceremony (Because Seriously, It's Not a Ceremony)
Now, unlike your friend's Pinterest-worthy wedding that bankrupted her parents, registering a domestic partnership is pretty low-key. There's no need to pick out bridesmaid dresses or write tear-jerking vows (unless you're into that kind of thing).
Here's how to make it official:
- Track down the Affidavit of Domestic Partnership form (it's like a permission slip for love): You can find this online or at your local city/county clerk's office.
- Fill it out together, because teamwork makes the dream work (and keeps mistakes to a minimum): Don't accidentally put your cat's birthday as your anniversary.
- Get it notarized (fancy talk for getting someone official to witness your not-so-secret ceremony): Find a notary public – they're usually at banks or courthouses.
- Head to your city/county clerk's office with your partner, IDs, and the fee (because even love comes with a price tag, usually around $35): Make a day of it! Grab some celebratory donuts afterwards.
And voila! You're officially domestic partners! Now you can tell everyone you're "not married, but serious."
Domestic Partnership FAQs
How to know if a domestic partnership is right for me?
If you and your partner are committed but marriage isn't your thing, a domestic partnership offers similar legal benefits.
How long does it take to get a domestic partnership?
The process can be completed in one day, depending on your local office's wait times.
How much does it cost to get a domestic partnership?
The fee is usually around $35.
How do I dissolve a domestic partnership?
You can dissolve a domestic partnership by filing a termination form with the city/county clerk's office.
What are the benefits of a domestic partnership?
Domestic partners enjoy many of the same legal benefits as married couples, including hospital visitation rights, inheritance rights, and protections from eviction.
There you have it! Domestic partnerships: a walk in the park compared to the rollercoaster ride of wedding planning. Now go forth and be officially not-married with your favorite person!
