City of Tucson Domestic Partner Registration Instructions
Background:
The Tucson Domestic Partnership (DP) Ordinance is a city law enacted September 15, 2003 and effective December 1, 2003, that provides a registry for domestic partners who wish to register. This is a means by which unmarried couples who share a relationship of mutual support, caring and commitment may document their relationship. This is the first domestic partner registry law in the State of Arizona.
Who are domestic partners?
Domestic partners are two people who sign a statement affirming that they:
- are not related by blood closer than would bar marriage in the State of Arizona;
- are not married to another person in a marriage expressly recognized by the State of Arizona or in any domestic partnership and/or civil union with another person;
- are both 18 years of age or older;
- are both competent to enter into a contract;
- both declare that they are each other's sole domestic partner;
- both currently share a primary residence, are in a relationship of mutual support, and declare that they intend to remain in such for the indefinite future.
Is registration limited to gay or lesbian individuals?
No. The language of the ordinance is gender-neutral. Any individuals who meet the above qualifications may register a domestic partnership.
How to register
Registrants may go to City Hall to register in person, or may mail in their registration form to: City of Tucson, Finance Department, attn: DP Registration, P.O. Box 27210, Tucson AZ 85726. The registration form is available to pick up in person at City Hall at the first floor payment windows, or may be obtained by calling the Finance Department at: (520) 791-4566. Each registrant must sign the registration form before a notary public. Registrants who turn in their properly attested registration statement in person at City Hall will receive a certificate of registration in person. Registrants who mail in their properly attested registration statement will receive a certificate of registration by mail.
Cost
The cost of registering is $50.00. Checks should be made payable to the "City of Tucson".
Do we have to be residents of the City of Tucson in order to register as domestic partners?
No. Under this ordinance there is no requirement for residency within the city limits of Tucson.
Can anyone look up information, including address information, on who is registered as a domestic partner?
Yes. City records are open for review. However, the ordinance provides only that registrants list a mailing address, which may include an address c/o another person or a post office box, and thus registrants do not have to provide their home address.
What sort of legal rights and responsibilities will a domestic partner get in relation to his or her partner?
The ordinance lists two rights or benefits for registered partners in the City of Tucson: (1) a right to visitation of one's partner in a health care facility, as long as the patient consents; and (2) extending use of and access to city facilities to a registered domestic partner as if the domestic partner were a spouse.
Because Tucson's Domestic Partnership Ordinance is a city law, it cannot address or create rights, privileges, or responsibilities that might be available to spouses or partners under state or federal law.
Domestic partnership registration is voluntary. The City of Tucson cannot provide any legal advice concerning domestic partnerships. Applicants may wish to consult with an attorney for such advice. Partners should consult an attorney and/or make arrangements for a number of important matters, including but not limited to:
- wills
- medical matters
- finances and powers of attorney
- children and dependents
- medical and health care employment benefits