Legal Question in Insurance Law in California

Re: Domestic Partners-Man & Woman

As Johnny Carson used to say, "you are wrong, my friend." As of January 1, 2005, registered domestic partners will have to go through a divorce-like proceeding if they wish to dissolve the partnership.

Domestic partner benefits presently are at the company's will, unless it does business with certain cities like San Francisco, where adherence to its ordinance for DP benefits is required.

As to the political (or philosophical) reasons: Gays are not yet permitted to marry although they may be in a committed relationship. Heterosexual couples may marry if they choose. If they don't marry, then the thinking is there should be no benefits or official sanction of the relationship. This country still has a philosophy that marriage is the primary goal of a relationship, and the laws will do everything they can to promote and sustain marriage (at least between husband and wife, for now).

One of these days, I hope, the law will recognize all committed couples and permit marriage-like benefits and obligations if the couples meet certain established criteria. Congratulations on being able to sustain a loving relationship.