Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Your domestic partnership is still valid as it was entered into under the law in place at the time. However, you continue to have only the rights afforded to domestic partners and not the full rights of married couples as are given to civil union couples.

No. There is no basis to recognize the assumption of the partner’s last name. A legal name change must be filed with the courts and an original copy of the final judgment presented to the Office of Vital Statistics and Registry.

Yes. As of February 19, 2007, domestic partnerships can only be established by couples 62 years of age or older, regardless of whether they are a same-sex or opposite-sex couple.

No. Domestic partners who wish to enter into a civil union with the same person do not need to terminate their domestic partnership. Once they have entered into the civil union, their domestic partnership will automatically terminate if it was registered in New Jersey. If it was registered outside New Jersey, the laws of that state would determine the validity of the domestic partnership following the civil union.

Yes. If the domestic partnership with a different partner was not legally terminated, or was not terminated by the death of the previous partner, you must terminate the domestic partnership before entering into a civil union with someone else.

Information regarding benefits can be found at the https://nj.gov/treasury/pensions/.