It is not recognized statewide in Texas, but there are a few selected Texas counties which do recognize domestic partnership agreements. It also is used to obtain health insurance for a domestic partner through the other partner’s employer plan. It does not function as an alternative to marriage.

Can I put my girlfriend on my health insurance in Texas?

Since there is no legal financial obligation between yourself and your girlfriend, she cannot be added to most health insurance policies. Even if the law does not recognize common law marriage, you may be able to add your girlfriend as a domestic partner if your health insurer allows.

How do you end a domestic partnership in Texas?

Both divorce and annulment serve to terminate the domestic partnership. A divorce is a legal decree that ends the domestic partnership before the death of either partner. An annulment is a finding by a court that a domestic partnership is null and void.

How do I prove a domestic partnership in Texas?

Must provide two documents of proof from the list below: Proof of the same residency for at least six (6) months naming/listing both partners. Examples include: Joint deed, mortgage agreement, or apartment lease. Proof of joint checking account or savings account statement that includes the date account was opened.

Are there health insurance benefits for domestic partners?

No, your employer does not have to offer domestic partner health insurance. Even if it offers health insurance benefits to married spouses. The exception to this is in places where it is against the law not to. In the past, employers who did offer domestic partner insurance benefits often did it for the sake of employees in same-sex relationships.

What are the benefits of domestic partnership in Texas?

Domestic partnerships offer some of the same benefits that marriage offers, such as the right to coverage under family health insurance, family and bereavement leave, and visiting rights in hospitals and jails. The Texas legislature banned same-sex marriage in Texas in 2003.

Is it legal to be a domestic partner in Texas?

Thanks to the 2015 Supreme Court ruling, same-sex marriage is now legal in Texas, but the only entities that recognize domestic partners are a handful of cities in Texas that permit employees to get health benefits by filing a domestic partnership affidavit. History of Texas LGBTQ Laws

Is it legal for insurance to cover opposite sex domestic partners?

There is no legal prohibition or requirement that an insurance company offer coverage to opposite-sex domestic partners or same-sex domestic partners who are not parties to a civil union.