§ 87-2. Definitions.

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Basic living expenses means the cost of basic food and shelter. The individuals need not contribute equally or jointly to the cost of these expenses as long as they agree that they are both responsible for the cost.

Declaration of domestic partnership is a form provided by the clerk of council wherein two people agree to be jointly responsible for basic living expenses incurred during the domestic partnership, and recites that all the other requirements for domestic partnership are met.

Domestic partners are two people who have chosen to share one another's lives in an intimate and committed relationship of mutual caring, who live together and have signed a declaration of domestic partnership in which they have agreed to be jointly responsible for basic living expenses incurred during the domestic partnership, and have established their partnership under section 87-5(a).

Live together means that two people share the same living residence. It is not necessary that the right to possess the residence be in both names. Two people may live together even if one or both have an additional separate living residence. Domestic partners do not cease to live together if one leaves the shared living residence but intends to return.

(M.C.S., Ord. No. 19,278, § 1, 6-17-99)

Cross reference

Definitions generally, § 1-2.