Domestic Partnership in Florida.

Our state has many couples that are part of domestic partnerships.  Same-sex marriage is legal in the majority of states due in large part to a string of federal court decisions that, beginning in late 2013, have declared state bans on same-sex marriage unconstitutional.

Florida used to have a law that limited the terms “marriage” and “spouse” to unions between one man and one woman. On Aug. 21, 2014, a federal district court ruled that the state’s ban on same-sex marriage was not in keeping with the constitution.  Same-sex marriages have been permitted in Florida since the beginning of 2015.

How may this effect you and a loved one in you live in Pinellas County?  Subjects such as parental rights, public benefits, health insurance, family court assistance, and property rights come into play.  This is where we come in.  Nat Kidder and Bill Bennett are attorneys that have a combined 50+ years of experience dealing with Florida family law issues.  Please give us a call with any domestic partnership questions at (727) 821-8000.

When Domestic Partners Separate.

It happens sometimes in the best of relationships.  When domestic partners grow apart they go their separate ways.  It does not matter if the partners are heterosexual or same-sex.  There are considerable legal, financial, property and parental protections that are offered when a couple chooses domestic partnership instead of marriage.

You should know what responsibilities you accept when entering into this relationship-

1.  You share the property and the assets therein

2.  It takes a court action to break up your partnership

3.  You are obligated to provide for your partner

4.  If there is a child or children, you must assume some of the parental responsibilities

Knowing what to do in light of a domestic partnership breakup is tantamount to your future happiness and peace of mind.  That is why you should contact Nat Kidder and Bill Bennett family attorneys serving St. Petersburg and all of Pinellas County.  Please call for a consultation about your specific situation at (727) 821-8000.