A domestic partnership is a legal or personal relationship between two individuals who live together and share a domestic life but are not married. This arrangement often provides some of the same legal benefits and responsibilities as marriage, such as health insurance coverage and inheritance rights. Domestic partnerships are recognized in various jurisdictions, and the specific rights and obligations can vary widely.
Typically, domestic partnerships are established by registering with a government authority, which may require proof of cohabitation and a shared domestic life. This option is often chosen by couples who prefer not to marry for personal, financial, or legal reasons. Some LGBTQ+ couples may also opt for domestic partnerships as an alternative to marriage, especially in areas where same-sex marriage was not initially legal.