Contact Rebecca Heltzer or Jerry Burg with questions about domestic partnerships.

The beginning of a relationship is a time of joy, optimism, and romance. As the relationship moves forward, the fruits of that optimism and romance should be protected through the drafting of a Domestic Partnership Agreement.

• Coming together:
  As you know there are fewer "rules" for relationships formed outside of the so-called "traditional marriage" recognized by municipal, state and federal governments than for the one man-one woman relationship recognized by these bodies. While this relative freedom can be rewarding, should disputes arise, there is no predictable way for the courts to resolve them. "Non-traditional" couples must plan for themselves, in advance, how they will treat jointly owned property and assets. Even unmarried male-female couples should consider the legal ramifications of co-habitation as it pertains to the property they plan to share. Your plans and agreements should be formalized in a written document. Heltzer and Burg will aid individuals or couples in negotiating and drafting domestic partnership agreements to address issues related to homes, personal property, pets, investment accounts, debts, and other matters that may arise in the course of their relationship.
  
  
• Coming apart:
  During a break-up, those of us who have not planned for it ahead of time often wish we had; we don't usually start a relationship planning for its end. When your relationship ends, Heltzer and Burg PLC will advise you on your rights regarding assets and debts accrued during the relationship. We will also step in if necessary to help you enforce those rights. We offer sound, reasoned advice at a time when you may be emotionally overwhelmed and prone to questioning your own judgment. This may involve prosecuting or defending against Order for Protection (OFP) petitions, the filing of which is often the opening volley in a dissolution case.