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1. Legal Age: Both partners must be at least 18 years of age.
2. Opposite-Sex or Same-Sex: Domestic partnerships in California are not limited to opposite-sex couples and are legally available to both same-sex and opposite-sex couples.
3. Residency: At least one partner must be a resident of Santa Barbara County.
4. Unmarried: Both partners must be unmarried and cannot be legally married to anyone else.
5. Legal Capacity: Both partners must have the legal capacity to enter into a domestic partnership. This means they must be mentally competent and not under the influence of substances or coercion.
6. Declaration of Domestic Partnership: Both partners must sign and file a "Declaration of Domestic Partnership" form with the Santa Barbara County Clerk's office. The form requires personal information, including full names, dates of birth, addresses, and a statement affirming the existence of a domestic partnership.
7. Witness Signatures: The Declaration of Domestic Partnership must be signed in the presence of two witnesses who are at least 18 years old and not parties to the domestic partnership. The witnesses must also sign the declaration.
8. Filing Fee: There is a filing fee associated with registering a domestic partnership in Santa Barbara County. The current fee is $45 as of 2023, but it may change over time.
Once the Declaration of Domestic Partnership is filed and accepted, the domestic partnership is legally recognized in Santa Barbara County and the couple is entitled to certain rights and responsibilities similar to those of married couples. However, domestic partnerships do not carry all the same rights and obligations as legal marriage.
It's important to consult with the Santa Barbara County Clerk's office or seek legal advice to ensure you understand the specific requirements and consequences of establishing a domestic partnership in the county.