This Week's Topic: California Domestic Partners

Effective July 1, 2003, the intestate rights of Domestic Partners are to be the same as those as a spouse, under California Probate Code Sections 6401 and 6402. A Domestic Partner is as defined under California Family Code Section 297.

Remember, however, that under Proposition 13 changes of ownership to someone not a spouse or child will result in the assessor having the right to reassess the real property transfer even if it is to a Domestic Partner.

Also, Domestic Partners can register with the California Secretary of State. I believe you can do so via the Secretary