Domestic Partnerships And Civil Court Matters
If two parties are not married, nor have a child in common, they may have certain rights as a result of living together or being a same-sex couple.
These rights would be addressed in civil court not in the family division. Attorneys at Rudolph & Associates LLC have significant civil law exposure and are prepared when necessary to address these issues outside of the family law context.
Defining A Domestic Partnership In Florida
While Florida as a state does not recognize domestic partnerships, numerous local authorities do. Municipalities, including the City of West Palm Beach, as well as certain counties, such as Miami-Dade County, allow individuals to register a lawful nonmarital relationship. A domestic partnership is not comparable to marriage under current Florida and municipal polices as the rights it extends relate almost exclusively to medical emergencies.
Doing so provides limited legal protections. A domestic partner may be able to visit their registered partner in the hospital when only the legal family can otherwise visit. They may be able to manage medical decision-making on behalf of their partner if they become incapacitated.
In the City of West Palm Beach, domestic partners also have the right to make funeral and burial decisions for one another. They can also receive formal notification when medical professionals or local authorities must contact the family of an individual. Domestic partnerships protect people during emergencies and ensure that those closest to an individual can support them during difficult times.
What Are Your Rights In Florida As A Domestic Partner In A Split?
Florida domestic partnerships do not create any automatic legal rights in the event of a breakup or split. Florida does not recognize common-law marriage or domestic partnerships at the state level. In some cases, domestic partners may have certain rights and protections because they signed a written cohabitation agreement outlining what should happen in the event that the relationship ends.
Without a written agreement, each partner generally retains property in their own name, and neither necessarily has the right to request financial support from the other. If there are children and custody matters to address, typically legal or biological parents have rights, while their domestic partners may struggle to secure time-sharing or visitation without the consent of the lawful parent or a prior adoption.
Call Now To Speak With A West Palm Beach Domestic Partnership Lawyer
If you need assistance navigating the end of a domestic partnership, you need guidance from legal professionals familiar with this niche area of law. Your West Palm Beach family law attorney can assist you during negotiations and help manage the necessary legal proceedings.
Our experienced family law lawyers at Rudolph & Associates LLC can help you understand your rights and develop a realistic strategy. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation by clicking here or calling [561] 655-1901.