Domestic partnership is a relationship where two sexual partners share a home together in a marriage-like arrangement. Much of the time, homosexual couples in states that do not permit homosexual marriage will enter into domestic partnerships so that they can get some tax breaks and the benefits of living with one another. Domestic partnerships will sometime impose rules of shared prosperity and will be dealt with somewhat like a divorce if the couple decides to break up. Heterosexual couples can also enter into domestic partnerships if they prefer this arrangement to a marriage.
Interestingly enough, not all Florida counties recognize domestic partnerships. In fact, until 2008 Miami-Dade did not recognize domestic partnerships, and only six other counties and a handful of cities in the Florida area have added domestic partnerships to their familial arrangements. In cities where the partnerships are not recognized, homosexual couples cannot have the right to make medical decisions for each other should one become incapacitated. Also, couples are not granted any privileges to inheritance in the even that they pass away intestate.
Also, Broward County recognizes the legitimacy of a domestic partnership, and South Miami approves of the relationship. Other individuals in counties all across the state of Florida could run into trouble if they attempt to enforce domestic partnership rights in their relationship. If you have been petitioning for a domestic partnership but live in Jacksonville, where the domestic partnership arrangement is not honored, then you will want a Jacksonville divorce attorney on your side. Even if you are not married to your partner, a lawyer at our firm may be able to help you with property division and other difficult situations post-break up such as child custody and child support options. You will want to make sure you hire a compassionate lawyer form our firm to help you negotiate through your case today!