Domestic Partnership Agreements

There are all kinds of families. Not everyone who lives is a family is married.  But the laws governing issues arising out of marriage do not apply to unmarried couples; for the most part, it is up to the couple to put in place a mechanism by which their relationship can be legally treated as a family relationship.  A domestic partnership agreement is a document that explains the contractual legal rights and responsibilities of each partner when a couple decides to form a long-term committed relationship. Because at this time same-sex partners cannot legally marry in North Carolina, a domestic partnership agreement is an essential legal document for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender couples. For example, in your domestic partnership agreement, you and your partner can clarify such issues as whether property acquired will be owned jointly or individually, how expenses will be divided, and how children will be provided for.  In the event of separation, a domestic partnership agreement can provide guidance for determining child custody issues, support issues and dividing property. The agreement may also specify a dispute resolution mechanism such as mediation or arbitration.

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