Domestic partnership laws in Monmouth County, New Jersey, can be confusing. Couples who believe they entered into a domestic partnership might not meet the statutory requirements for one. Therefore, when problems arise between the parties, they might not be afforded the same rights if they want to dissolve their relationship.
Our Monmouth County domestic partnership attorneys at The Law Office of Jennifer J. McCaskill, LLC, understands these complex laws. Our team of lawyers has more than 20 years of experience in family law and has assisted thousands of clients since 2009. We can help you address various issues related to New Jersey domestic partnerships.
Contact our law firm to schedule a free consultation at (732) 747-1882 and speak with an experienced Monmouth County family law attorney.
How The Law Office of Jennifer J. McCaskill Can Help With Issues Related To Domestic Partnerships in Monmouth County
Domestic partnerships and same-sex family law issues are still relatively new to the field of family law. Therefore, you need a skilled, experienced Monmouth County divorce lawyer to handle same-sex family law cases. Otherwise, there could be irreparable consequences that could have been avoided by hiring an experienced domestic partnership lawyer in Red Bank.
Our founding lawyer, Jennifer J. McCaskill, dedicated her law practice to family law after graduating from law school in 2002. She is a highly-respected family law attorney in Monmouth County with a 10.0 rating from Avvo and recognition by leading legal organizations, including Super Lawyers.
When you hire our award-winning legal team, you can expect us to:
- Listen to your concerns and issues
- Provide sound legal advice regarding your options for dealing with the situation
- Explain how New Jersey domestic partnership laws impact your case
- Work with leading experts to strengthen your position as necessary
- Complete and file all paperwork and documents with the court
- Aggressively represent your best interests during settlement negotiations, mediation, and court hearings
- Work with you to obtain the outcome you desire
Ending a domestic partnership requires extensive knowledge of the laws governing these relationships. At The Law Office of Jennifer J. McCaskill, LLC, we have the knowledge, resources, and skills to handle cases involving same-sex couples and domestic partnerships.
Call now to schedule a free initial consultation with our domestic partnership attorneys in Monmouth County, NJ.
The History of Domestic Partnerships in New Jersey
In 2004, the Domestic Partnership Act allowed couples to register a domestic partnership in New Jersey. The Act applied to opposite-sex couples 62 years old and older and same-sex couples 18 years old and older. However, the law was amended in 2007 by the Civil Union Act.
Under the Civil Union Act, opposite-sex and same-sex couples must be 62 years old or older to register a domestic partnership. They must also meet the statutory requirements in N.J.S.A. §26:8A-4. The state continues to recognize domestic partnerships registered before February 19, 2007.
What Are the Requirements for Registering a Domestic Partnership in New Jersey?
Domestic partners have some of the same rights as married couples. The law affords them certain benefits and rights related to child visitation, health care decisions, debts, taxes, discrimination, and more.
However, a couple must meet the statutory requirements to register as a domestic partnership. Those requirements include the following:
- Both parties are at least 62 years old or older
- The parties share a common residence and are jointly responsible for their partner’s welfare, as evidenced by joint financial arrangements
- The partners agree to be responsible for the other person’s basic living expenses during the partnership
- Neither person is a party to a civil union or marriage
- The parties are not related by affinity or blood up to the fourth degree of consanguinity
- The couple desires to be in a committed relationship with each other
If the couple meets the requirements for a domestic partnership, they can register their partnership by filing an Affidavit of Domestic Partnership with a Local Registrar of Vital Statistics. The office must issue a Certificate of Domestic Partnership for the state to recognize the domestic partnership.
How Do You Terminate a Domestic Partnership in New Jersey?
You can terminate a domestic partnership on many of the same grounds you would use for a divorce action. You must file a request for termination with the New Jersey Superior Court. The parties must notify any entities of the termination of their domestic partnership that were notified when the domestic partnership was registered.
Before filing the paperwork to end a domestic partnership, you should consult a Monmouth County domestic partnership dissolution lawyer. Because domestic partners are not afforded the same rights as married couples or individuals in a civil union, questions regarding property, debts, and children may arise. A domestic partnership dissolution attorney can help you resolve these problems.
What Is a Civil Union in New Jersey?
Same-sex and LGBTQA couples can enter a civil union in New Jersey as of February 19, 2007. In a civil union, the parties are afforded the same rights, benefits, protections, and responsibilities as spouses in a marriage. Therefore, the dissolution of a civil union follows the same procedure as a divorce, including resolving issues related to child custody, property division, and alimony.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Monmouth County Domestic Partnership Lawyers
For help with a domestic partnership legal matter, contact The Law Office of Jennifer J. McCaskill, LLC, for a free case evaluation. We handle your case with professional attention to detail and compassionate support. Our Monmouth County domestic partnership lawyers can protect your legal rights and interests throughout your case.
