Domestic partnership registration

In Phoenix, Arizona, a Domestic Partner Registry identifies a relationship that grants visitation rights to a domestic partner at any health care facility in Phoenix. Medical powers of attorney or advance directives do not guarantee visitation rights to domestic partners who are not members of the family. Only family members have visitation rights if there is no registered domestic partner.

Technically, this registration does not confer any other rights. An additional benefit of registration may be that it could serve as evidence for employers that they recognize domestic partnerships for profit purposes.

Although the registry is often thought of as accommodation for gay and lesbian couples, there are many heterosexual couples, living together in a committed but unmarried relationship, who can take advantage of the registry.

Finally, nobody is obliged to register; It is simply an option. The Phoenix registry began accepting applicants on February 9, 2009.

Prerequisites for Phoenix Domestic Partner Registration

1. Both partners must reside within the City of Phoenix.
2. Both partners must be present to register.
3. Both partners must have valid photo identification issued by a government agency within the US that includes name, date of birth, weight, height, and hair and eye color.
4. The couple can be of the same sex or of the opposite sex.
5. Both partners must share a residence in Phoenix.
6. Neither spouse can be married or in a civil union with anyone else.
7. Both partners must be at least 18 years old.
8. The partners may not be blood relatives.

Even if you are already registered in another city or state, you must register again with the City of Phoenix for the purposes of this registration.

When the couple registers, both applicants must complete, declare and sign a Declaration of Domestic Partnership in the presence of a notary from the city clerk. Each registered domestic partner receives a copy of the completed Declaration of Domestic Partnership document with the official City of Phoenix seal.

Either partner can terminate the domestic partnership registration by completing an application available in the City of Phoenix.

There is a non-refundable registration fee. This record is for the city of Phoenix only. It is not an Arizona registry and other cities within the Greater Phoenix area are not bound by it.

For more information, contact the Phoenix City Clerk’s Department at 602-262-6811.

Where else in Arizona is there a domestic partnership registry?

Tucson also has a process to recognize civil unions: City of Tucson

Note that while the concepts are similar to the Phoenix registry, the specific requirements may differ between cities.

_{All requirements and offers mentioned here are subject to change without notice.}