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 New Hampshire, domestic partnerships are not specifically recognized as they are in some other states. Instead, New Hampshire recognizes same-sex marriage, providing same-sex couples with the same legal rights as opposite-sex couples. This change came about after New Hampshire legalized same-sex marriage on January 1, 2010, through the passage of legislation in 2009. Prior to the legalization of same-sex marriage, New Hampshire did have a law that allowed for civil unions, which provided similar rights to marriage for same-sex couples. However, with the legalization of same-sex marriage, civil unions were no longer necessary and were eventually legally converted into marriages. Therefore, in New Hampshire, same-sex couples looking to have their relationship legally recognized with rights similar to those of a marriage would pursue marriage rather than a domestic partnership or civil union.