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CONTACT: Stephanie Marquis, 608-266-1683
APPLYING FOR DECLARATION OF DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP BEGINS
AUGUST 3rd
MADISON - State officials announce the first day to apply for a
Declaration of Domestic Partnership begins on August 3, 2009. The
Declaration is a new vital record created under state law that the
Department of Health Services (DHS) will maintain, along with other vital
records such as birth and death certificates. The Department has also been
providing training and technical assistance for the county clerks in
preparation for August 3rd.
“The Declaration will provide same-sex couples a document that
formalizes their relationship and can be used in a variety of ways,”
said Secretary Timberlake. “For example, the document will be proof of
the relationship that can be shown at a hospital or nursing home to ensure
visitation rights or may be taken to their employer if they need to take
medical leave to care for an ill partner.”
Application Process
Two unmarried adults of the same sex who are living together may apply
for a Declaration at their local county clerk’s office. The couple must
apply in their county of residence, and one of the individuals must be a
resident of that county at least 30 days prior to date of application.
To apply, an individual must bring their certified birth certificate,
not a photocopy or the “footprint” certificate issued at the hospital.
Without a certified copy the county clerk will not be able to process the
application.
Along with a certified copy of their birth certificate, an applicant
should also bring:
- A current, non-expired photo ID
- Proof of residence – at least one applicant must have resided in
the county 30 days or more prior to application
- Social Security Number – applicants will not need to show the
card, but must know their number
- If applicable, proof of how any former legal marriage or domestic
partnership ended (example: divorce decree)
People will apply for the Declaration at the County Clerk’s Office
and pay the application fee. Applicants will receive the Declaration five
days or more after the application is made, but an expedited fee can be
paid to receive it sooner.
The Declaration must be signed in front of a notary and then be filed
with the Register of Deeds Office in the same county as residence. The
date the Declaration is filed at the Register of Deeds Office is the date
the domestic partnership becomes effective. The Register of Deeds will
then file the Declaration with State Vital Records Office in DHS.
For more information, visit: http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/VitalRecords/index.htm
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Last Revised: July 29, 2009 |
