As the years pass, more people, governments and businesses are recognizing the idea of domestic partners with their own, often similar, definition. However, the federal government has yet to recognize domestic partnerships.

Identification

The exact definition of a domestic partner varies from state to state, but the general idea is two people that are in a committed relationship but are not married or cannot marry under state law, according to the State of California Franchise Tax Board.

Features

Generally, to consider a relationship a "domestic partnership," the members must live together, be 18 years old or older, be unmarried and provide for each other, according to the American Civil Liberties Union.

Considerations

Some states and cities now have official processes to declare two people domestic partners, according to FindLaw. Usually, the partners must register the partnership with the local government and swear that they are committed.

Benefits

Creating an official domestic partnership gives the couple most of the advantages of marriage, but not all, reports FindLaw. Domestic partners often have legal visitation rights in prisons and hospitals, but not every company will offer benefits such as health insurance to both partners.

Fun Fact

In 1990, only 24 companies in the U.S. recognized domestic partnerships for benefits. It grew to more than 9,300 companies by 2008, according to the Human Rights Campaign.

Source:

State of California Franchise Tax Board; What if I'm a domestic partner?

American Civil Liberties Union; Model Domestic Partnerships; 1997

FindLaw.com; What is a domestic partnership?

Resource:

Human Rights Campaign; Domestic Partner Benefits