Registered domestic partnerships are similar to marriage, but do not create all of the same rights and responsibilities. Before the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2015 decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, most people in registered domestic partnerships were same-sex couples who lived in states that did not recognize same-sex marriage. Registered domestic partnerships remain an option for domestic partners in some cities and states. Some cities and states require one or both of the individuals to be at least 62 years of age to create a registered domestic partnership.

Laws vary from state to state, and some states refer to such a domestic arrangement as a civil union rather than a domestic partnership. Some of the benefits of a registered domestic partnership may include (1) the ability for one partner to secure health insurance for the other partner through an employer’s family health insurance plan; (2) visitation rights in hospitals and jails; (3) the right to take family leave to care for a sick partner; and (4) the right to take bereavement leave for the death of a partner under an employer’s bereavement leave policy.

In Vermont, following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2015 decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, the distinction between marriage and domestic partnerships has become less significant. However, Vermont does recognize civil unions, which were established before same-sex marriage was legalized to provide legal recognition to same-sex couples. While Vermont converted many civil unions to marriages after the legalization of same-sex marriage, some civil unions may still exist. Civil unions in Vermont provide similar rights and responsibilities as marriage, including health insurance coverage for partners, hospital and jail visitation rights, family leave for a sick partner, and bereavement leave. It's important to note that the specific rights and benefits may vary, and individuals should consult an attorney for advice on their particular situation.