Home / Lawrenceville Domestic Partnerships Attorney

Lawrenceville Domestic Partnerships Attorney

Are you considering entering or ending a domestic partnership in Lawrenceville, GA? Do you need help resolving issues with your current domestic partner? An experienced Lawrenceville domestic partnerships attorney at Crystal Wright Law can help.

We have nearly a decade of experience handling complex family law matters. We offer compassionate and comprehensive legal advice to help you resolve even the most sensitive family matters.

Our lawyers are well equipped to help you through any challenges you may be facing. Call our law firm in Lawrenceville, Georgia at (404) 594-2143 to schedule a free consultation today.

Table of Contents

How Crystal Wright Law Can Help With a Domestic Partnership Matter in Lawrenceville, GA

Like married couples, couples in a domestic partnership commit to living together as partners for life. However, as we all know, life is constantly changing. When a legal dispute arises between domestic partners, our experienced Lawrenceville family law attorneys can help find a solution.

We’re a full-service law firm committed to helping our clients achieve their goals.

When you hire us, you can expect your attorney to:

Provide compassionate guidance and support throughout the legal process
Offer practical advice and solutions based on years of experience
Help you understand the process for dissolving a domestic partnership
Protect your financial interests and help you resolve child custody matters

Do you have questions about your existing domestic partnership? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our Lawrenceville domestic partnerships lawyers today for an initial free consultation.

Overview of Domestic Partnership Laws in Lawrenceville, GA

There are many reasons why a couple may choose not to enter into a legal marriage. That’s true of both same-sex and opposite-sex couples.

A domestic partnership is a relationship between two people. Those people must commit to remaining partners and living together throughout their lives, much like a married couple.

Prior to the legalization of same-sex marriage, many couples chose to enter into a domestic partnership agreement. Those agreements were formed to establish the legal rights of each party.

Domestic partnership agreements often cover many of the same issues that arise throughout a marriage, including:

Property division upon separation
Ongoing financial support agreements
Child custody matters
Estate planning matters

As of June 2015, the state of Georgia now recognizes same-sex marriages. On the other hand, there is no longer a statewide law to govern domestic partnerships in Georgia. Only certain cities and counties have developed procedures to establish new domestic partnerships.

For example, couples may establish a domestic partnership in:

You must live in the city or county to register a domestic partnership under current law. There is no formal process for entering a domestic partnership in Gwinnett County. Still, many existing domestic partnership agreements remain.

Do you have questions about terminating your domestic partnership? Contact an experienced Lawrenceville domestic partnerships lawyer at Crystal Wright Law today. We offer a case review so that you can learn more about our law firm and practice areas.

Domestic Partnerships vs. Same-Sex Marriage

Both same-sex and opposite-gender couples were once entitled to enter a domestic partnership.

Domestic partnerships had many benefits, including:

Qualifying for employment benefits based on the other partner’s employment
Allowing one partner to receive benefits under the other partner’s health insurance
Allowing visitation if one partner was hospitalized
Using sick or medical leave to care for the other partner
Receiving life insurance benefits from the other partner’s policy
Contributing to the other partner’s retirement accounts
Establishing a power of attorney

Still, domestic partnerships have many disadvantages when compared with traditional marriages. Domestic partners can’t file a joint tax return. They aren’t entitled to inherit the other partner’s property under state intestacy laws. Domestic partners can also have problems establishing paternity if they have children.

Because of these disadvantages, many domestic partners have elected to end the partnership and marry. Others may choose to end the partnership entirely.

How Does a Couple End a Domestic Partnership in Georgia?

Terminating a domestic partnership is often much more simple than terminating a marriage.

The partnership can end in one of the following ways:

One partner must provide written notice that they wish to end the partnership and file a notice of termination with the city or county where the partnership was established
Upon the death of one partner
If the partners stop living together

Still, many of the complex issues that arise during divorce also arise when ending a domestic partnership. Those issues include asset division, partnership support, child support, and child custody issues.

You’ll also have to notify certain third parties about the end of your partnership. For example, you may have to inform the insurance company or an employer who offered domestic partnership benefits.

Partnership Support for Domestic Partners in Georgia

Domestic partners can petition the court for financial support. This financial support is similar to alimony for married couples.

Do you have questions about your right to financial support after ending a domestic partnership? Our lawyers can help you understand your legal options. We can also help you terminate payments if your former domestic partner has begun living with someone else.

Asset Distribution in Georgia Domestic Partnership Dissolution Cases

Like married couples, domestic partners can acquire joint assets over the years. When you decide to end the partnership, you can petition the courts to help divide the assets.

The same equitable distribution rules that apply in divorce cases also generally apply in domestic partnership cases.

Contact a Lawrenceville Domestic Partnerships Attorney for a Free Consultation

Do you have questions about your right to establish or end a domestic partnership? An experienced Lawrenceville domestic partnerships attorney at Crystal Wright Law can help. Call our law firm today to schedule your case evaluation to get started.

Visit Our Divorce & Family Law Office in Lawrenceville, GA

Crystal Wright Law
440 S. Perry Street Suite 105, Lawrenceville, GA 30046
(404) 594-2143

Our Family Law law firm in Lawrenceville also provides: