Registered Domestic Partnerships in New Jersey Lawyers

Who Qualifies to Register as Domestic Partners?

New Jersey¿s new domestic partner law applies to same-sex couples and to opposite-sex couples in which one partner is 62 years of age or older.

Why Should My Partner and I Register as Domestic Partners?

Registering as domestic partners can provide you and your partner with some of the same benefits that the state gives to married couples.  These include:

• being included in insurance coverage through one another¿s employers
• medical decision making rights for one another
• the choice of filing joint state tax returns

What Rights Will Domestic Partners Still Not Have?

 New Jersey¿s domestic partnership law does not provide for:

• inheritance rights
• the right to petition for spousal support if the relationship ends
• automatic parental rights (second parents will still have to petition for adoption)

Do I Need a Lawyer to Register a Domestic Partnership?

While you and your partner do not need a lawyer to register, you should consider consulting a good wills and trusts attorney to ensure that you both provide for each other in the case of illness or death.  If the relationship does end a good family law attorney will be able to help you petition for spousal support or adoption.