1. Cohabit Together: The couple must live together in a common law relationship, which means sharing the same primary residence and intending to live together indefinitely.
2. Age: Both partners must be at least 18 years of age.
3. Unmarried and No Legal Impediments: Both partners must be unmarried and have no legal barriers preventing them from entering a domestic partnership, such as a current marriage or a valid civil union.
4. Ability to Provide Mutual Support: The couple must demonstrate the ability and intent to provide mutual financial and emotional support to each other, including sharing living expenses and responsibilities.
5. Not Related by Blood: The partners cannot be related to each other by blood or adoption within a degree that would prohibit marriage under Michigan law.
6. Declaration: The couple must sign a written Declaration of Domestic Partnership before a notary public, affirming that they meet all the requirements and intend to enter into a domestic partnership.
It's worth noting that fulfilling these requirements does not automatically create a domestic partnership. The couple must file their signed Declaration of Domestic Partnership with the Ann Arbor City Clerk's office to officially register their partnership and obtain legal recognition.