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California Domestic Partners . com
Prior to the California Supreme Court recently permitting Marriages in the State of California, Domestic Partnerships were the only method in which to get a same-sex union formally recognized. At that time, it was the closest thing to marriage; domestic partnership law became the law of the land in California on January 1, 2005. Now same-sex couples and limited male-female couples (where one partner is over 62 years of age) can become registered domestic partners in California. With this registration, the partners enjoy most of the benefits and responsibilities of married persons in the State of California. Additionally, they can be Married in the State of California with the same STATE rights as any other married couple. However, Domestic Partnerships still exist and may be more important if the November 2008 election has an impact on same sex couples marrying in the State of California.
In fact, was very honored to join a same-sex couple on the first full day that it was legal in California for people of the same sex. Their lawful union was a "gay" marriage in every sense of the word. These newlyweds wanted to make a statement of their love even in the face of the protests and in the supporting company of those shouting "LOVE" ... and they were worried they didn't have a camera to capture the moment :-) Sincerely, Kevin M. Healy, Esq. (Sacramento Attorney)
Short video courtesy of the Sacramento Bee (1 minute - high resolution).
Raw Video on 
shot with someone's camera phone of
the marriage
Adrian Ochoa and Orval Miller (5 min) [Hit back arrow to return
to main page]
This was done over shouting protests where our safety could not be guaranteed.
- Basic Eligibility (Family Code Section 297)
Registered Partners must share a common residence
Neither Partner may be married to another person
Neither Partner may be part of another Domestic Partnership
Blood relationships are limited in the same manner as marriage
Both Partners must be at least 18 years of age and be able to consent to the Partnership
If Partners of opposite-sex, one must be over 62 years of age and qualify for Social Security
[under construction These are the frequently asked questions.] 
The primary attorney providing services for CalDomesticPartners.com is Kevin Healy. He has been practicing family law in several states for more than 15 years. Recognized by bench and bar alike for his community service and expertise in Family Law, Mr. Healy brings the courage and background to tackle even the most challenging of cases. In a recent matter where a superior court judge (initially) failed to give the client's matter the respect it was due, Mr. Healy demanded and successfully achieved the removal of that judge from the matter, ultimately having the matter determined by an independent presiding judge from outside of that county. While this is certainly more the exception than the norm, it goes to show that Mr. Healy will zealously represent his client to achieve a fair result and will not submit to what appeared as clear unfairness for his client. Mr. Healy has also been called upon to write on a wide variety of legal issues involving literally every jurisdiction in the United States.
In 2007, Mr. Healy was also honored to be part of the Task Force to establish both procedures and the actual tax forms to be used statewide by the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) for California Domestic Partners; this Mr. Healy did on a voluntary basis and completely Pro Bono for the betterment of the community. By having the Task Force work with not only the FTB but also California legislative representatives, the recommendations of the Task Force have already work their way into new California laws dealing with Domestic Partnerships, and more good adjustments to respect Domestic Partnerships are on the way into California statutory law.
While every case is different and prior performance on any given case cannot be taken as a guarantee for any specific result in your matter, the above is meant to provide some insight into Mr. Healy's history of taking on the tough cases and the fact that he does not fold when the Courts or agencies may consider a matter unusual or requiring dignified treatment. You have legal rights and human rights . . . and you can know that Mr. Healy will fight for them with zeal and dignity if he becomes your attorney.
We can assist with Domestic Partner registration, pre-planning of Domestic Partner registration, alternatives to public registration, adoptions, surrogacy, child support, partner support, custody, and all traditional issues involved in dissolution of partnerships or marriages.
Given the differences between federal laws and the California Domestic Partnership Act, the assistance of legal counsel will often prove of great assistance (and potentially save thousands of dollars) when trying to secure spouse-like benefits and privileges in everything from partner retirements . . . to rights of survivorship . . . to the filing of taxes . . . to getting both names on birth records.
As all families require estate planning, some more than others, caldomesticpartners.com is uniquely situated to assist your family in preparing any necessary documents to ensure that you receive the best protections and your wishes are followed in the event that you cannot direct your affairs (i.e. in the case of death or illness).
We know that you love each other and are committed to each other - - assistance by a law firm can ensure that both government and society gives to you the respect which your relationship (registered or otherwise) is due with as little discrimination as possible.
While the area of Domestic Partner law is new, Mr. Healy has handled cases as complex as Federal litigation involving nearly 100 individual parties. He was also responsible for a case (which went up to the Court of Appeal) bringing a child abuser to justice after he left the United States - - all while trying to avoid the mother for over 30 years. Mr. Healy has handled Family Law cases literally from Coast to Coast, being waived (allowed to practice law) into foreign Jurisdictions for trial and appellate work (to include being appointed to argue and brief a case before the Alaska Supreme Court).
Whatever your concern, it should fall within this spectrum.
The law should not be a trying experience and the practice of law is truly a professional service. It may be that we can help you with your situation. Some matters can be handled on a contingency basis (where the attorney fee is paid from the proceeds of the case), while almost all domestic partner (family law) issues are required, by State Bar ethical rules, to be handled at an hourly rate. Each situation would need to be worked out individually with the Law Office.
Consultations are by appointment only
331 J Street, Suite 200 * Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone: (916) 448-3100 * Fax: (916) 448-3131
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