Under the law, courts and government agencies may obtain necessary information to verify the relationship. Domestic partners can be held responsible to each other for common living expenses including food, shelter, and utilities. A basic living expense also includes the cost of any employee benefits existing because of the domestic partnership. That means if one partner's employer offers domestic partner health insurance but makes the employee pay for the benefit, the employed partner can demand that the other partner share the cost of the coverage. A notary may charge an additional fee.
Many banks make notaries available to the public.
No dissolution proceedings in court are necessary as is required for a married couple to divorce. Unlike marriage, the law provides for no community property or spousal support from domestic partners. There is no specific provision under the domestic partnership law that changes the name of either of the partners. Administrative agencies may recognize a domestic partnership registration for name change purposes. Otherwise, a formal name change is required for onepartner to adopt the name of the other.