registering a domestic partnership in Maryland

[Anonymous]

My partner/boyfriend and I have lived together for years and he's ready to retire. We'd like to register our domestic partnership in Maryland. Is it only for same-sex couples, or can heterosexual couples do it? Google gives me conflicting info--I think the law changed over the years.
No, he doesn't want to get married; he is peacefully divorced and doesn't want to rock the boat.

[Anonymous]

Just out of curiosity - what is the difference between domestic partnership and marriage? You actually have the option the option of marrying... what does registering do for you? Seriously asking.

[Anonymous]

I'm pretty sure the domestic partnership law has been repealed now that marriage equity is the law of the land.

[Anonymous]

Is it so he can go on your insurance?

After the Supreme Court decision, my office changed its insurance policies and no longer allowed Domestic Partnerships. Everyone has to get married now.

[Anonymous]

The Maryland DP law is still on the books - MD Code, Health - General, § 6-101.

However, I'd advise you to consult a local family law attorney in your jurisdiction because the benefits & status of DPs have become unclear since Obergfell. As other PP’s pointed out, some companies have changed their HR policies and no longer extend benefits to DP’s because LGBTQ are able to marry & have their marriage recognized in all states, and DP’s were created to solve a specific problem - LGBTQ people who were unable to marry.

You may not be able to register your partnership, and even if you can, the benefits may not be worth it to you, so I’d also advise you to review your company’s policies on newly registered DPs if insurance is motivating you.

I understand it’s confusing, because even if states don’t allow new DPs to register, they still allow existing DPs to continue, and also allow existing DPs the opportunity to get married.

Also, you should look into Maryland’s requirements for terminating a DP. In some states the process is very similar to a divorce, so I’m not sure why a DP is so much more desirable than a marriage. The fundamental purpose of a marriage is to establish a legal contract between two parties and extend rights and obligations under the law. A DP is still essentially a contract that attempts to extent many similar rights and obligations. Although I guess a DP lacks the emotional baggage some people associate with marriage?

Anyway, my best advice is for you to find a reputable marriage/family law lawyer in your county and ask for a consultation. They may not even charge you if the answer is “no, Maryland or X county is not registering new DPs.” If the answer is yes, you can decide whether you want an attorney to help you or simply decline further services.