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Domestic Partnerships Guiding You Through Difficult Times

Ventura Domestic Partnership Attorneys

California Domestic Partnership Laws

Provisions governing California domestic partnerships can be found in the California Family Code. A domestic partnership is established when two parties meet certain criteria as specified by these laws.

How Can I Form a Registered Domestic Partnership in California?

To form a registered domestic partnership, each individual needs to file a Declaration of Domestic Partnership and fulfill the following criteria:

  • Both individuals are 18 years old (some exceptions are allowed)
  • The individuals cannot be blood related
  • Both individuals cannot be married or in another domestic partnership
  • Both individuals must consent to the domestic partnership
  • Both are members of the same sex or one or both is/are eligible for Social Security benefits and over *62 years old (this has been updated – see below)

*Governor Newsom signed a bill on July 30, 2019 redefining who is eligible for a registered domestic partnership, allowing opposite-sex couples under the age of 62 the option to form such a partnership. This new law was put into effect on January 1, 2020.

How Can I Terminate a Registered Domestic Partnership in California?

A domestic partnership can also be terminated under certain conditions. All these conditions are set forth in the California Family Code and must be met or the domestic partnership will be terminated through proceedings in California Superior Court.

California Domestic Partnerships & Same-Sex Marriages

The California Supreme Court issued a major decision on May 15, 2008 regarding same-sex marriages, which did not invalidate or change any of the California Family Code statutes related to registered domestic partners.

  • Registered domestic partnerships will continue to be active on California’s domestic partnership registry. 
  • The California Secretary of State will continue to process domestic partnership-related filings as permitted by the domestic partnership law.

If you have questions about how the California Supreme Court’s decision may apply to your circumstances, contact us online.

How Domestic Partnership Separations Work

A domestic partnership separation is treated just like a typical divorce. However, regardless of the situation, you should find an experienced attorney who has helped people with their child support, child custody, visitation, and/or property division case.

Do Registered Domestic Partners Have the Same Legal Rights as Spouses in California?

California law states that Registered Domestic Partners have many of the same rights as spouses. These rights include:

  • The ability to add a partner to state-administered health insurance benefits
  • The right to inheritance, should one partner die
  • The ability to raise a child born during the partnership
  • The ability to adopt a child born before the partnership
  • The right to own community property
  • The ability to take their domestic partner’s last name or combine their last names

How Our Ventura Domestic Partnership Lawyers Can Serve You

At SANTO MEHAS, negotiated settlement is always our preferred method of choice. In the event this is not possible, we are also able to help litigate your domestic partnership in court.

We take pride in the way we communicate and serve our clients. With us, there will always be someone available at our office to answer your questions and address your concerns.

Fill out a contact us form online or give us a call at (805) 222-7818 for help with your domestic partnership case. 

An Emphasis on Strong Family Values

Our firm places a strong emphasis on the importance of family values. The balance between maintaining these family values and generating a better future for you and your family is one we strive to achieve with each case. Our values consist of:
  • Holistic Approach

    We aim to resolve conflict so you and your family can move on peacefully. We approach all aspects of a case, including the emotional, financial, and mental components, and advocate with you throughout.

  • Collaboration

    Collaborative divorce can be a great option for spouses looking to share joint custody of their child/children and the court looks favorably on this decision. When possible, we strive to come to a resolution that will benefit both spouses.

  • Children Come First

    We respect the fact that our clients trust us with important life-decisions. We strive to be as understanding and empathetic as we can with you and treat you like we would treat a close family member.

  • Compassionate Legal Services

    We respect the fact that our clients trust us with important life-decisions. We strive to be as understanding and empathetic as we can with you and treat you like we would treat a close family member.

Our Satisfied Clients

Real Stories from Real People
  • “We are forever grateful to Mr. Mehas”
    Hiring Santo Mehas Professional Law Firm, specifically Michael Mehas has been a tremendous blessing. Divorce and child custody is a very stressful, unpleasant and unpredictable experience and Mr. Mehas has been our sword and shield throughout the process. Without the support and guidance of his expertise, I’m not sure where my family would be. We are forever grateful to Mr. Mehas for fighting for us and we are very happy with the outcome of our case.
    - Lupe V.
  • “He is simply awesome!!!”

    Yay, bro! Michael has been looking out for me on several legal matters, including a car accident case, for several years. He is simply awesome!!!

    - Brian S.
  • “I would recommend him to anyone who needs a good attorney.”

    I am lucky to have had Michael Mehas handle my family law child custody and visitation matter, personal injury, and business and employment matters, and he's the only attorney I've ever used. He's very compassionate in what he does and combines many years of experience with a great understanding of the law. I would recommend him to anyone who needs a good attorney.

    - Molly C.
  • “5 stars is not enough.”
    5 stars is not enough. Mr. Mehas and Ms. Santo are the A team of attorneys. They are comprehensive, strategic, one step ahead, and a powerful team! When you hire the Santo Mehas firm to manage your case, you have hired a team of legal advocates who care, who will keep you informed, who will fight for you, and be the voice you need to represent you. Without the help of the entire firm, I know that I would not have had the successful outcomes I have had. They took on an extremely difficult case and encountered issues that no one expected and few had ever seen. They worked tirelessly to make sure that the truth was told and presented it perfectly. They stood by every one of my requests and guided me through the entire lengthy process. Though there were challenges, they strategically and diligently with compassion met them head on and never faltered. Their expertise and thoroughness provided us the pathway we needed to rise to victory. I am proud to be a client and will continue to retain them for all legal matters that may arise as I know I am in the best hands.
    - Christy B.
  • “Michael Mehas showed true professionalism”
    “Michael Mehas showed true professionalism”
    - Mary H.
  • “They were prepared and ready for anything.”
    “They were prepared and ready for anything.”
    - Madisen R.
  • “Professional, Experienced, Real!”

    Deciding to file for divorce was by far one the most difficult decisions I have had to make. Having no idea where to start, who to believe, where to go, Donna was recommended by a friend. Upon calling her office, I was able to make an appointment right away. When I met with her, she listened to me attentively, asked questions and she explained the process from beginning to end. She did not sugar coat anything, she clearly explained all the different scenarios that I was facing, specific to my divorce and child custody matters. Donna helped me during the most overwhelming and stressful time in my life. I am grateful for her support and guidance throughout the entire process, I could not have do ne it on my own.

    - Tiffany
  • “Exceptional Lawyer”
    Attorney Michael Mehas was one of the most straight forward people I have ever met. He handled my cases immediately. He accomplished something for me and my family that three Los Angeles County divorce lawyers failed to do: He got child support from my ex husband within short periods of time. He guided me through the process with honest advice, and his legal fees were very reasonable, he's professional, and I have referred him to family members. Since then, Mr. Mehas has also handled several civil matters for me and is the only attorney I turn to when I need legal help. I’d hire him again, such a positive experience in the middle of a bad situation. Thank you, Michael Mehas, for all you've done for me and my family.
    - Jess