Princeton Domestic Partnerships Lawyer
The New Jersey Domestic Partnership Act (DPA), enacted in 2004, made New Jersey only the fifth state in the United States to recognize same-sex domestic partnerships. The DPA conferred to same-sex couples all the same rights and obligations accorded to married couples with two distinctions:
- Property acquired by one partner during the domestic partnership is treated as the property of that individual, unlike in a marriage where joint ownership may arise by law.
- The status of a partnership does not create or reduce individual partners’ rights and responsibilities toward children.
Following the landmark case of Lewis v. Harris, 188 N.J. 415 (2006), the New Jersey Legislature established civil unions by amending the marriage statute to include same-sex couples, meaning all rights and obligations created by the DPA were expanded to civil unions for couples where the two individuals are of the same sex. As a result, parties in a civil union receive the same benefits and protections as married couples. The ending of civil unions between same-sex couples follows an identical path to the dissolution of a marriage between a man and a woman, including the grounds to initiate divorce proceedings.
Domestic Partnerships & Civil Unions Lawyer in New Jersey
We’re here to help our clients understand the legal differences, establish, and dissolve domestic partnerships or civil unions. To do so, we work with the most recent legislation to ensure that you are legally protected, and we guide you through the entire process so that you can focus on your relationship and personal affairs.
Keith Hofmann has the knowledge and experience to establish dispute resolution and dissolution of domestic partnerships or civil unions and provide you with proper guidance, information, and support.
Please contact us and schedule a consultation to learn more about how Keith Hofmann can help you with your legal needs.
Legal Practice Areas
Divorce
Mediation and Arbitration
Child Custody
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