Domestic Partnerships & Cohabitation Agreements

Domestic Partnership: A California registered domestic partnership (RDP) is a legally recognized relationship between two adults (same-sex or opposite-sex) who share a committed life, live together, and file a Declaration of Domestic Partnership with the Secretary of State. It grants nearly all state-level rights and responsibilities of marriage, such as joint taxes and inheritance.

Ending A Domestic Partnership in California
Ending a registered domestic partnership in California involves legal procedures similar to divorce, including resolving issues related to property division, debts, and, when applicable, child custody and support. At the Law Offices of Soda & Greenberg, we help clients understand their options and guide them through the process with clarity, strategy, and attention to detail.

To file for termination or dissolution, at least one partner must meet California residency requirements, generally meaning six months in California and three months in the county where the case is filed.

In all cases, partners should promptly notify employers, insurance carriers, and benefit providers once a partnership is terminated or separation proceedings begin to avoid unintended financial or legal obligations.

If your situation does not qualify for a simplified termination, a formal legal process may be required to resolve property, financial, or custody matters. The Law Offices of Soda & Greenberg provide experienced guidance to help you protect your interests and move forward with confidence. Call us to schedule an initial consultation.

Many couples today choose to live together without getting married, but few realize that unmarried partners do not automatically have the same legal rights as spouses. A cohabitation agreement-sometimes called a living-together agreement-is a legally binding contract that helps protect finances, property, and future security for couples who share a home but are not married. The Law Offices of Soda & Greenberg assist clients in drafting customized cohabitation agreements designed to provide clarity, stability, and legal protection.

A cohabitation agreement is a written contract between unmarried partners that outlines financial arrangements, property ownership, and responsibilities while living together. Often compared to a "prenup for unmarried couples," this agreement helps prevent disputes over assets, debts, or financial support if the relationship ends.

Unlike married spouses, unmarried partners generally do not have automatic rights to property, inheritance, or financial support. Without a written agreement, one partner may have no legal claim to jointly used property, savings, or investments-even if they contributed financially. A properly drafted agreement provides transparency, reduces conflict, and protects each person's contributions. (proactive efforts to provide stability, protection and avoid conflict down the road between each other and extended family members).

Yes. Courts will generally enforce cohabitation agreements if they meet legal requirements such as full financial disclosure, voluntary consent, and clear written terms. When prepared correctly, these agreements serve as powerful tools for protecting both parties' rights and avoiding future litigation.

A comprehensive agreement may outline:

• Ownership of property and assets
• Division of shared expenses and financial responsibilities
• Debt allocation and liability protection
• Rights related to jointly purchased real estate or vehicles
• Handling of bank accounts or credit accounts
• Ownership of pets and personal property
• Financial arrangements if the relationship ends

Unmarried partners also lack automatic inheritance rights and authority to make medical decisions for each other. Without estate planning documents or written authorization, a partner may not be able to access accounts, inherit property, or make healthcare decisions in an emergency. Cohabitation agreements often work alongside estate planning tools to ensure partners are protected.

California recognizes certain financial claims between unmarried partners under legal precedent, meaning courts may consider agreements-written or implied-about financial support. A clearly drafted cohabitation agreement helps define expectations and prevent misunderstandings about financial obligations if a relationship ends.

Every couple's financial and personal situation is different. The Law Offices of Soda & Greenberg provide experienced legal guidance to help unmarried partners create agreements tailored to their goals, assets, and future plans. Whether you are moving in together, purchasing property jointly, or planning long-term financial arrangements, a carefully structured agreement can provide peace of mind and long-term protection.

Contact our office today to schedule a confidential consultation and learn how we can help safeguard your interests.