In some states, a domestic partnership is a legally recognized relationship between members of a same-sex couple, with rights similar to those of a marriage relationship.
In Maine, domestic partnerships were recognized prior to the legalization of same-sex marriage, providing a legal status that granted some rights similar to those of marriage. However, since December 29, 2012, same-sex marriage has been legal in Maine following the approval of a statewide referendum. With the legalization of same-sex marriage, same-sex couples can now marry, thus obtaining all the state-level rights and responsibilities of marriage. Domestic partnerships may still be recognized in some municipalities for the purposes of benefits and recognition, but they do not provide the full legal status that marriage does. Couples in a domestic partnership should consider converting their partnership into a marriage to secure the full spectrum of legal rights and protections available to married couples under Maine law.