What benefits does a domestic partnership offer?

Domestic partnership benefits vary by state. The most common benefits that you might receive include: parental leave and adoption benefits. Some employers offer benefits to employees in a domestic partnership even if the state doesn't recognize the relationship. For more information, you should contact your employer's human resources department.

Are domestic partners entitled to legal protection?

In some legal jurisdictions, domestic partners who live together for an extended period of time but are not legally entitled to common-law marriage may be entitled to legal protection in the form of a domestic partnership.

Why do domestic partners enter into nonmarital relationship contracts?

Some domestic partners may enter into nonmarital relationship contracts in order to agree, either verbally or in writing, to issues involving property ownership, support obligations, and similar issues common to marriage. (See effects of marriage and palimony .)