In Colorado, any two adults who are in a committed relationship and are not related may receive a certificate that documents their status by registering with the city where they reside. If one or more parties marries or dies, the domestic partnership will be terminated. In addition, one or both partners can execute a certificate of termination in order to dissolve the domestic partnership. Both individuals must be 18 years of age to establish, or terminate, a legal domestic partnership.
Both the establishment and termination of a domestic partnership must be certified by the city manager in order to be effective. A lawyer with a background in family law might assist someone with the process of terminating a domestic partnership. As with a married couple, individuals in a domestic partnership will need to divide their assets in the event that they decide to dissolve the partnership.
A Colorado lawyer with a background in family law can help a couple of divide property and come to an agreement in regard to the termination of the partnership. As with divorce, a judge is likely to respect the wishes of the individuals as long as both parties agree with each other.
If a couple cannot agree on the division of property or child custody arrangements, a judge may decide for them using a standard formula. Even if the couple has agreed on some issues, there is no guarantee that a judge will consider those areas of agreement. A lawyer could help a couple to avoid this outcome by negotiating for an agreement, filling out and filing the necessary paperwork, and providing representation in court.
Source: Colorado Code, Chapter 12-4: Domestic Partners", November 11, 2014
Tags: Family law, custody, domestic partners
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