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 Jersey, domestic partnerships were established in 2004 to provide certain legal rights to same-sex couples. However, after the state legalized same-sex marriage in 2013, the availability of domestic partnerships became limited. As of now, domestic partnerships in New Jersey are available to same-sex and opposite-sex couples, but only if both individuals are 62 years of age or older. This is because older couples may choose a domestic partnership over marriage for reasons related to social security or pension benefits. Domestic partners in New Jersey have certain rights similar to those of married couples, including hospital visitation, the ability to make medical decisions for an incapacitated partner, and certain tax benefits. It's important to note that the rights conferred by a domestic partnership are not as extensive as those granted by marriage, and the recognition of domestic partnerships may not be the same in other states or at the federal level.