Domestic Partnerships

A domestic partnership is a legal union, expressed through a contract, which permits two people of the opposite or same sex that permits them to gain some of the benefits available to married couples. Domestic partnerships may be registered in some counties in which the couple resides. A couple may choose to enter a domestic partnership either because they are uninterested in the binding legal effect of marriage or they are unable to marry due to sexual orientation.

A domestic partnership may govern such important issues as child custody, healthcare benefits, property distributions in the event of death or dissolution of the contract, powers of attorney, and other issues the couple chooses expressly to address. The agreement can also help protect each partner's interest in assets such as mutual funds, retirement accounts, and the family home.

Domestic partnerships can be useful if a couple is considering adoption. Adoption by a same-sex couple is legal in Illinois. If the adoption is granted, each parent will have equal rights. The domestic partnership agreement can be used to define each partners' rights and obligations, both financial and otherwise, in connection with the adopted child.

Domestic partnerships are especially useful if one of the partners becomes ill. Domestic partners may be entitled to take sick leave to care for an ailing partner, as well as to communicate directly with medical staff regarding important medical decisions and a partner's well being.

Lyn C. Conniff Law Offices understands that entering into a domestic partnership is an important decision that reflects the same emotional commitment as marriage. Our attorneys will work to help you achieve benefits and rights as similar to those of married spouses as is legally possible. Our experience and creative problem solving can help you and your partner begin a meaningful legal relationship.

Lyn C. Conniff Law Offices represents clients within and throughout Chicago. Our Oak Park office typically serves Chicago's western suburban communities, such as Oak Park, River Forest, Hinsdale, Riverside, Brookfield, Oak Brook, Elmhurst, Naperville, and Schaumburg. Our Chicago office has typically served clients from the north side of Chicago, as well as the northern suburbs of Evanston, Skokie, Wilmette, Glenview, Kenilworth, and Winnetka, and the southern suburbs including Flossmoor, Olympia Fields, and Palos Heights. Contact us for a consultation.