Here's How:
Make sure you're eligible. You must be a same-sex couple, both be at least 18 years old and not in another marriage or civil union. One of you needs to be an Oregon resident. You cannot be first cousins or closer in relation.
Note: If you and your partner were married in Canada or another state with civil unions, you do not need to dissolve that before entering into an Oregon domestic partnership.
Download the proper forms. You can download the forms for Oregon domestic partnership here. Note, you will need legal size paper: 8 1/2 X 14".
Fill out paperwork, but do not sign it. You will need to sign in presence of a notary public. You will need a driver's license or other proof of age and residency.
Have a notary sign your form. Some County Clerks offices will have notaries, others do not. Here is a list of Notary Publics in Oregon.
Locate the County Clerk’s office. This office is located in the county seat. Find your county seat.
Bring your completed form and cash payment ($50-60, depending on county) to County Clerk. The County Clerk will sign the document and that's it! You're legally domestic partnershiped.
If you wish to change your name: Bring a certified copy of your domestic partnership form (which costs extra--make sure you ask for it) to the Department of Motor Vehicles and apply for a name change.
Tips:
- Only an Oregon court can dissolve a domestic partnership, even if the partners have moved out of state.
- This is the legal process for obtaining a domestic partnership. You can still choose to have any kind of wedding ceremony you choose.
What You Need:
- Driver's license or proof of age and residency
- $50-$60 cash
- A notary's signature
- A partner to spend the rest of your life with
