Registering a domestic partnership can be an important milestone for many couples, and Boulder’s Domestic Partnership Registration is something even residents outside the city can take part in. However, despite all best intentions, sometimes these relationships do not work out. When it’s time to end a domestic partnership, it’s important to understand what needs to be done to terminate the partnership with Boulder’s registry.
A domestic partnership can be terminated when one party dies or when the couple is no longer in a committed relationship. If either of these things comes to pass, a notice of termination should be sent to the City Clerk of Boulder along with the payment for the termination fee.
The notice of termination should include the parties’ names and the certificate number. The notice of termination must also be signed and dated by at least one party. If only one party is signing, however, evidence must also be shown that the other party was given reasonable notification of the termination.
The domestic partnership may also be terminated when one or both parties no longer meet the city’s domestic partnership requirements. These include but are not limited to both parties being the other’s sole domestic partner, the parties sharing “a life and home together” and the parties being unmarried.
It’s important to remember that in most cases, a domestic partnership does not afford you the same rights as if you were married. This is true even if the domestic partnership is registered. Similarly, the end of the partnership is not treated the same as a divorce. If you have questions about your rights and legal options, talking with a family law attorney is the first step.
Source: City of Boulder, “Domestic Partnership,” accessed Feb. 19, 2016
