Orlando Domestic Partnership Attorney

Orlando Domestic Partnership AttorneyWhether you’re planning on entering a domestic partnership in Orlando or want to terminate your existing relationship, it’s important to have an experienced attorney guide you through the process. Even minor missteps can add time, money, and unnecessary stress to the process. The Orlando domestic partnership attorneys at McMichen, Cinami, & Demps can help you identify, work toward, and achieve your goals.

We’re a family law and divorce law firm in Orlando, Florida with more than 50 years of experience helping families like yours. Call us to find out how we can help you navigate the process of ending or beginning a domestic partnership in the state of Florida. Your first consultation is free, so call today.

How McMichen, Cinami & Demps Can Help With Your Domestic Partnership in Orlando

How McMichen, Cinami & Demps Can Help With Your Domestic Partnership in Orlando

To enter into a domestic partnership, you must draft a domestic partnership agreement. This is essentially a legal contract that outlines certain rights and obligations you and your partner will have. For instance, a domestic partnership agreement can address any financial and childcare responsibilities you and your partner may have if the partnership is terminated.

The goal when drafting a domestic partnership agreement is to ensure the final document honors the wishes and best interests of both you and your partner. Thus, there’s no single domestic partnership agreement that’s universally beneficial to all couples. Each agreement is somewhat unique.

Our experienced Orlando domestic partnership lawyers at McMichen, Cinami & Demps can help by:

  • Working with you and your partner to draft a suitable domestic partnership agreement
  • Gathering documentation to show you and your partner are eligible for a domestic partnership
  • Unburdening you by handling all administrative tasks
  • Assisting you if you’re planning on terminating a domestic partnership

Our family law team has more than 50 years of combined experience serving clients like you. Call us today to begin discussing your plans in a free consultation.

What is a Domestic Partnership?

In Florida, a domestic partnership is essentially a committed and exclusive relationship between two partners. Both heterosexual and same-sex couples qualify for domestic partnerships.

A domestic partnership grants both partners many of the same rights associated with married couples, such as the right to:

  • Visit a partner in a correctional facility
  • Be designated as an emergency contact
  • Make funeral and burial decisions
  • Be designated as a pre-need guardian
  • Make healthcare decisions, and
  • Visit a partner in a healthcare facility.

However, there are some key differences between domestic partnerships and marriages. For example, in a domestic partnership, both members of a couple may remain financially independent. 

Our experienced Orlando family law attorneys can better explain the essential differences between the two if you’re not sure whether a domestic partnership or a marriage is best for you.

Why Do Some People Choose Domestic Partnership Over Marriage?

Historically, many couples who entered domestic partnerships were same-sex couples. This allowed them to enjoy many of the benefits of married couples when same-sex marriage wasn’t legal.

Back in 2015, the Supreme Court of the United States rendered same-sex marriage legal in all 50 states. Despite that, many couples still choose to opt for domestic partnerships instead of marriages. 

Why? There are a few common reasons:

They Simply Don’t Want to Get Married

There are various reasons some committed partners don’t want to get married. Sometimes, cultural and/or religious issues influence their decision. Or, two partners may be elderly, and thus aren’t inclined to go through all the work that getting married can involve.

Additionally, under Florida law, the amount of workers’ compensation benefits someone may be entitled to after the death of a spouse could be reduced if they were to remarry. They could potentially avoid this by entering into a domestic partnership instead of a marriage.

They Want to Define Property Rights

Two people might be committed to the relationship, but not quite ready to take the leap into marriage. However, they might want to more clearly define certain rights – particularly those related to property, assets, and debts they share. By opting for a domestic partnership, they can formalize property rights without the full commitment and obligations of marriage.

It Makes Better Tax Sense

“Married filing jointly” is usually an incentive to tie the knot. However, not everyone will see tax benefits by getting married. For instance, a couple might find that their tax liability is much greater combined than separate. So, it might make more sense to remain unmarried and opt for different filing status.

Who is Eligible for a Domestic Partnership in Florida?

To qualify for a domestic partnership in Orlando, FL, you and your partner must both be:

  • 18 years of age or older
  • Unmarried
  • Not currently in a registered domestic partnership
  • Not blood relatives
  • Currently living in the same home

If you’re applying for a domestic partnership in Orlando, an attorney can help demonstrate that you and your partner meet the necessary criteria. Our Central Florida family law and divorce attorneys can help gather any additional documentation you may need when applying.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Orlando Domestic Partnership Attorneys

Whether you’re planning on entering into a domestic partnership or expecting to terminate one, our Orlando domestic partnership lawyers at McMichen, Cinami & Demps can help make the process much easier for all involved. For more information, call us today or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.

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