Couples who wish to be in a serious, long-term relationship can formalize their union either by way of marriage or domestic partnership. While marriage is the most common way, domestic partnership is an alternative that provides several benefits of marriage.

Let's take a look at Domestic Partnership v Marriage in California: What's the Difference?

What is a Domestic Partnership?

Domestic partnership emerged during the 1980s which gave same-sex couples the right to legalize their union with some of the benefits that are enjoyed by married couples.

In essence, domestic partnership consists of the following features:

●    Two adults of the same or opposite sex living committed in a relationship and residing together

●    Domestic partners are financially tied together

●    Domestic partners can have children

●    Though the couple aren't married, they enjoy a similar relationship to marriage

Difference Between Marriage and Domestic Partnership

Marriage brings more benefits than a domestic partnership. Unlike domestic partnerships, married couples can enjoy recognition in all 50 states of the US. Moreover, they can inherit the estate of their deceased spouse, as well as receive their retirement, veteran, and social security benefits. Key differences between a marriage and a domestic partnership are as follows:

●    Married couples are placed in a higher income bracket as against domestic partners, and incur tax penalty

●    Married spouses can inherit each other's assets upon the death of the other spouse, whereas domestic partners can't

●    Married couples are entitled to the veterans, retirement, and social security benefits of the other spouse. Domestic partnership doesn't offer these benefits

●    Married couples can transfer unlimited assets tax-free, while domestic partners can't.

●    Domestic partners can't petition for the naturalization of the other spouse, whereas married couples can. 

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