- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Be unmarried and not in a civil union with anyone else.
- Not be closely related to each other by blood or marriage.
- Reside together as a committed couple in the Town of North Hempstead.
- Share responsibility for each other's financial and emotional well-being.
In addition, you and your partner must provide the following documents to the Town Clerk's office:
- Completed Domestic Partnership Affidavit.
- Proof of residency in the Town of North Hempstead (e.g., driver's license or lease agreement).
- Proof of identification (e.g., driver's license, passport, or birth certificate).
- Social Security numbers.
Once you have submitted your documents, the Town Clerk will issue you a Certificate of Domestic Partnership. This certificate is valid for one year and can be renewed annually.
Domestic Partnership grants couples many of the same rights and benefits as married couples, including the right to:
- File joint income tax returns.
- Share health insurance coverage.
- Inherit each other's property.
- Make medical decisions for each other.
- Visit each other in the hospital.
If you and your partner are considering entering into a domestic partnership, it is important to speak with an attorney to discuss your rights and responsibilities.