University City To Start Registering Domestic Partnerships Wednesday

On Wednesday, individuals can make their relationship a matter of record, when University City officially opens its .

Beginning at 8:00am, when opens its doors, individuals will be able to file a with the City Clerk. 

University City is the first municipality in St. Louis County to adopt a domestic partnership ordinance. It gives same-sex partners and couples who live together the same rights as spouses in many situations, including visitation rights at health facilities and correctional institutions. Domestic partners would also be granted decision making power on  health care issues.

Eligibility Requirements to Establish a Domestic Partnership

Two individuals must affirm that they meet all of the following qualifications: 

Both individuals share a common residence.

Both individuals affirm that they share responsibility for each other's common welfare.

Neither individual is married to a third party.

Neither individual is part of an existing Domestic Partnership with any third party; and 

Each individual is eighteen (18) years of age or older. 

How to Apply for or Terminate a Domestic Partnership

The City Clerk will register the Declaration of Domestic Partnership in a registry and return a copy of the declaration form to the Domestic Partners at the address provided as their common residence. The declaration must be notarized, therefore proper identification is required. Declarations must be filed in person, with both parties present.   

Fee

There is a fee of $45 for each application to establish or terminate a Domestic Partnership. The fee is payable via cash or check. Checks should be made payable to the City of University City.  

The application must be notarized. If the application is notarized at City Hall, a $2 City notary fee will be charged (in addition to the $45 application fee). Applicants can have the application notarized elsewhere, and avoid the $2 City notary fee.