San Fernando Valley Domestic Partnership Attorney

Guiding You Through Complex Family Law Matters in Century City & Northridge

While unmarried couples are typically not afforded the same benefits and community property rights as married couples, California family law does provide certain protections for domestic partnerships.

Using paternity and child support laws, the San Fernando Valley family law attorneys of Joel S. Seidel & Associates often help unmarried parents protect their children's best interests by establishing paternity. We have the resources to explore every legal option possible to ensure that your child’s interests are advocated in or out of court.

Reach out to our San Fernando Valley domestic partnership lawyer who has comprehensive knowledge in this area of Family Law - Call (818) 435-3773 or contact us online now.

Legal Rights for Domestic Partnerships in California Explained

In San Fernando Valley, CA, domestic partnerships offer many of the same legal rights and responsibilities as marriage. Here are some key legal rights and benefits for domestic partnerships in California:

• Community Property Rights: Domestic partners have the right to share equally in community property acquired during the partnership, similar to married couples. This includes assets like real estate, income, and personal property.
• Healthcare and Benefits: Domestic partners are eligible for health insurance and other employee benefits through their partner’s employer, including coverage for medical, dental, and vision care.
• Inheritance and Estate Rights: Under California law, domestic partners have inheritance and estate rights, which means they can inherit property from their partner without a will. 
• Spousal Rights in Family Law: Domestic partners are entitled to spousal rights in family law matters, such as spousal support and the division of property in the event of dissolution of the partnership.
• Legal Decision-Making: Domestic partners have the right to make medical and legal decisions for their partner if they become incapacitated. This includes decisions about healthcare and end-of-life care.
• Adoption and Parental Rights: Domestic partners can adopt children jointly and have the same parental rights as married couples, including custody and visitation rights.
• Debt Responsibility: Domestic partners may be held responsible for each other's debts acquired during the partnership, similar to marital debt responsibilities.

Understanding the Legal Status of Children Born to Domestic Partners

Children born to domestic partners in California are generally recognized as the biological children of both partners, similar to children born within a marriage. Both partners have parental rights and responsibilities, including custody, visitation, and child support obligations.

Child Support Obligations for Domestic Partners in California

Parents, regardless of their marital status, have an obligation to support their children. Likewise, a parent has a right to access to his or her child along the same lines as persons who are married.

If you are not married to the other parent of your child, and if you are not receiving the support your child needs, our domestic partnership lawyers in the San Fernando Valley can explain your options for obtaining that support. 

Every family situation is different, but the determination of child support is nonetheless a regulated area of law. The courts must use a mathematical formula to calculate child support.

Schedule a Consultation with a Family Lawyer in San Fernando Valley

At Joel S. Seidel & Associates, we have represented hundreds of clients with cases similar to yours. Our Northridge family law attorneys understand how important it is to ensure the interests of your child, and you can trust that we are committed to working tirelessly to help you obtain the most favorable result possible for your case.

Schedule a confidential consultation about family law for unmarried couples, by calling our San Fernando Valley domestic partnership attorneys at (818) 435-3773 or contacting us online.

Frequently Asked Questions About Domestic Partnerships

How to Establish a Domestic Partnership in California?

To establish a domestic partnership in California, you must complete and file a Declaration of Domestic Partnership form with the California Secretary of State, pay the required fee, and meet eligibility requirements such as being at least 18 years old and not related by blood in a way that would prohibit marriage.

Can a Domestic Partner Seek Child Support If They Are Not the Biological Parent?

Yes, a domestic partner who is not the biological parent can seek child support if they have acted in a parental role and the court recognizes them as a de facto parent. This typically involves demonstrating that they have a significant emotional and financial relationship with the child.

What Happens If a Domestic Partnership Ends and There are Child Support Issues?

If a domestic partnership ends, child support arrangements can be determined through family court, where a judge will consider factors such as the income of both partners, the needs of the child, and the time each parent spends with the child. The court may issue a child support order to ensure the child’s needs are met.

How Are Custody Disputes Handled Between Domestic Partners?

Custody disputes between domestic partners are handled similarly to those between married couples. The court will make custody decisions based on the best interests of the child, considering factors such as each parent’s relationship with the child, living conditions, and the child’s overall well-being.

Do Domestic Partners Have the Same Rights as Married Couples in Child Support Matters?

Yes, domestic partners are entitled to the same rights as married couples in child support matters. California family law provides that domestic partners have the same legal obligations and rights concerning child support and custody.

Contact our experienced San Fernando Valley domestic partnership lawyer today for guidance on your family law matters. Call (818) 435-3773 or reach out to us online now.