Domestic Partnership Agreement

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. For example, in a domestic partnership agreement, the partners can determine:

" Whether a particular piece of real or personal property is owned jointly or belongs solely to one partner and how one or both parties took title to that property;
" Whether a gift or inheritance made to one partner is held jointly or individually; and
" How to share income.

In the event of potential disputes or misunderstandings, a domestic partnership agreement can help clarify ownership of property, provide guidance for dividing property in the event of a separation and specify a dispute resolution mechanism such as arbitration. Some states do not recognize the validity of domestic partnership agreements.

This form is a generic example that may be referred to when preparing such a form for your particular state. It is for illustrative purposes only. Local laws should be consulted to determine any specific requirements for such a form in a particular jurisdiction.