Domestic Partnerships
There are two types of domestic partnerships in Oregon. In a “common law” domestic partnership the parties live together, perhaps have children, and may acquire assets without being married. If this relationship breaks down, then issues such as custody, parenting time and child support will be determined as if the parties were married. However, when dividing assets and debts, the laws are not the same as a divorcing married couple. Rather, the court looks to the intent of the domestic partnership to determine what the parties agreed upon. In a domestic partnership case, the court cannot award spousal support (alimony) to either party.
Registered domestic partnerships were created by the Oregon legislature in 2007, and it applies only to same sex couples. If the parties have registered as domestic partners and the relationship ends, then all the laws that apply to divorce also apply to the dissolution of the domestic partnership.