How to Register as Domestic Partners in Chicago
This explains the process of getting registered as a domestic couple in Cook County and the city of Chicago.
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Instructions
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How to get registered as domestic partners in Chicago
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Understand your reasons for doing this. Registering as domestic partners is just a mere formality to those who choose not to go forward to make their relationship legal in a marriage, and it is for those who cannot. The entire process doesn't take a whole lot to do just some filling out of papers and other minor formalities that meet all the requirements under county municipal laws.
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Assess whether meet the following criteria to start the process of becoming registered domestic partners:Applicants must be at least 18 years oldApplicants must share a common householdEither both or one partner must work within the limits of Cook CountyBoth applicants must be fit to enter a contractual agreementApplicants must be in a close committed relationship both financially and emotionallyApplicants must be the sole partner to the other in the relationshipNeither applicant are/currently legally marriedNeither applicant are related by bloodApplicants must not currently be registered in another domestic partnership within 30 days of applying with a new partner.
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Appear with your partner in the county clerk’s office and present something that proves valid age like a driver’s license, state ID, US passport, or birth certificate.
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Complete and sign a legal domestic partnership affidavit which serves as the application in the clerk’s office.
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Have the completed application notarized by a notary public that the clerk’s office has on staff to assist applicants.
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Pay the application and filing fee is $30 which will only be accepted by cash or money order only.
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Enjoy domestic bliss.After completing the entire process you will be issued a certificate that you are registered partners in Cook County. Applicants are also issued wallet-size cards of their domestic partnership certificate to show they are legally registered domestic partners. Registered couples are also informed that this doesn't exempt them from getting certain kinds of employee benefits or other benefits that are permitted to married couples because of the legalities surrounding domestic partners getting and claiming benefits for a partner.
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Tips & Warnings
This is a practical way for people who choose not to marry legally or a gay couple to give some legality to their relationship.
Domestic partners may not qualify for benefits and other entitlements that many married couples are given rights to.
Registering does not constitute married to domestic and gay partners it's only a legal formality.
Domestic partners who are registered and don't wish to remain together have to go through the process of dissolving their relationship which is like a divorce, but can be more complicated especially if there are children involved and partners who have property and assets together.
