Domestic Partnership in Fulton County, GA: Requirements, Rights & Process

Fulton County (Atlanta) offers domestic partnership registration for unmarried couples—same-sex or opposite-sex—providing many marital rights at the county level.

Eligibility

• Both partners ≥18 years old
• Not married or in another domestic partnership/civil union
• Share a common residence in Fulton County
• Committed, exclusive, intimate relationship
• Mentally competent to contract

Required Documents

• Completed registration form (Probate Court)
• Proof of Fulton County residency (lease, utility bill, mortgage, voter registration)
• Government-issued photo ID (both)
• Social Security card or ITIN (both)
• Notarized affidavit of domestic partnership (both sign)

Fees & Process

Fee: $60 (check/money order to Probate Court). Where: Fulton County Probate Court, 136 Pryor St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303. Hours: M–F 8:30 AM–4:30 PM. Timeline: Same-day certificate if all documents in order.

Rights Conferred (County Level)

• Healthcare visitation & decision-making (county facilities)
• Inmate visitation (Fulton County Jail)
• County employee benefits (if employer participates — City of Atlanta, Fulton County Govt do)
• Funeral/burial decisions
• Property rights only if jointly titled; no automatic inheritance

Limitations

Not recognized by: State of Georgia (no state DP registry), federal government (taxes, Social Security, immigration), other states/counties (unless reciprocal), private employers (voluntary). No: automatic hospital visitation outside county, spousal privilege, wrongful death standing.

Dissolution

Either partner files petition in Probate Court. Grounds: irreconcilable differences, abandonment, adultery. Court divides property/debts per equity. No alimony unless contract specifies.

Strategic Note

Since Obergefell (2015), marriage is available to all. Marriage provides 1,100+ federal/state rights; DP provides ~10 county rights. Most couples choose marriage. DP remains for those who cannot or choose not to marry.