Domestic Partnerships

To claim a domestic partnership, members must meet the following conditions: 

•  Are at least 18 years of age and have the capacity to enter into a contract 
•  Share a permanent residence, unless residing in different  cities, states or countries on a temporary basis 
• Are the sole domestic partner of each other, having been in the relationship for at least six months and intending to remain in the relationship indefinitely
• Are not currently married to, or legally separated from, another person under statutory or common law 
• Are responsible for each other’s welfare 
• Are not related by blood to a degree that would bar marriage in the state of Ohio 
• Are financially interdependent on each other. This includes documentation of at least three of the following: 
  • Joint ownership of real estate property or joint tenancy on a residential lease 
  • Joint ownership of an automobile 
  • Joint bank or credit account 
  • Will designating the domestic partner as the primary beneficiary 
  • Retirement plan or life insurance policy designating the domestic partner as the primary beneficiary 
  • Durable power of attorney, signed to the effect that powers are granted to one another