In California, the process of dissolving a domestic partnership is similar to divorce. Property must be divided on some basis, child custody and visitation issues may have to be worked out, a child support order may have to be issued and one partner may owe support to the other. To protect your rights during the dissolution process, you need an experienced family law attorney on your side.

Providing Results-oriented Representation

Attorney Teresa Beyers provides aggressive representation designed to protect the rights and interests of her clients at all stages of the legal process. When you choose her to represent you, Ms. Beyers will carefully analyze your situation and develop an appropriate legal strategy that addresses the issues in your case, which could include:

Teresa Beyers will then seek to achieve your goals in a timely and efficient manner. We want to help you make a successful transition to the next phase of your life.

Do You Need an Attorney to End a Domestic Partnership?

There are two methods of ending a domestic partnership legally in California. While it is possible in some cases to have a domestic partnership dissolved without the help of an attorney, that is more the exception than the rule, with that option available under a very narrow set of circumstances. When it is available, however, the domestic partnership can be dissolved through a somewhat convoluted process that involves filing a notice to terminate the partnership with the Secretary of State for California. You may qualify to end your domestic partnership this way if:

  • The break is mutual. Both you and your partner wish to end the domestic partnership.
  • You do not have any children together. Neither you nor your partner is pregnant.
  • You nor your partner own any land or buildings, and your shared assets total less than $38,000, excluding any vehicles you own.
  • You and your partner owe community debt in an amount of less than $6,000.
  • Neither of you wants to receive support from the other.

If these variables hold true in your case, then there is a six-month waiting period for dissolution after filing the Notice of Termination of Domestic Partnership. Partners can revoke the notice at any time during this six-month waiting period. If a partner revokes the notice, then dissolution must be achieved through the courts in much the same way that married couples go through the divorce process.

Keep in mind that even though you can go it alone if you meet the criteria, it is still in your best interests to consult with a Los Angeles domestic partnership dissolution attorney to ensure that your best interests are served. Even when there are no custody issues/support issues to hash out and no real or personal property to divvy up, things can still get complicated.

Obtaining a Judgement for Dissolution of Domestic Partnership in California

If you do not qualify for or are uncomfortable with going through the dissolution of the domestic partnership process without an attorney, then you will need to file a petition with and get a judgment from the Superior Court. Your Los Angeles dissolution of domestic partnership attorney can be instrumental in filing the necessary paperwork for you.

As laid out in California Family Code Section 297.5, registered domestic partners have the same responsibilities, duties, obligations, benefits, protections, and rights as spouses. Because of that, dissolving a domestic partnership generally means going through many of the same motions that you would if you were ending a traditional marriage. This means ironing out issues regarding child support, child visitation, child custody, spousal support, and division of assets and liabilities.

A Strong Advocate To Protect Your Rights

Our law firm has experience in all types of marital and domestic partnership dissolutions, ranging from relatively amicable cases to highly contentious disputes over children and property. Whenever possible, we prefer to negotiate settlements that are workable and fair, yet still protect the rights of our clients to the fullest extent. However, Teresa Beyers is a trial lawyer with extensive experience in family law litigation. If necessary, she will provide vigorous representation in court.

When it comes to ending a registered domestic partnership through dissolution, getting legal help is always advisable. Although domestic partnerships have been treated much like traditional marriages since the passage of a law requiring the same in 2005, some of the issues surrounding domestic partnerships have no precedent in court.

Because of this—and due to the uncertainty and complicated nature of domestic partnership dissolution—having a lawyer in your corner who understands the dissolution process is a big plus. Our Los Angeles domestic partnership dissolution attorney is ready to help.

Contact The Law Offices Of Teresa A. Beyers

For a free initial phone consultation, call 213-236-4400 or contact us online. Our offices are located in downtown Los Angeles.

Se Habla Español.

    Contact Us

    All Fields Are Requireeed
    By clicking submit you are agreeing to the Terms and Conditions.