City Council

A domestic partner registry is open to both same- and different-sex couples. Across the state, the criteria for registering is similar to the criteria used in the City’s benefit option and includes the same main components: 

• Prospective domestic partners must be two adults, at least age 18
• Prospective domestic partners are not married to, or registered with, anyone else
• Neither prospective domestic partner is married or in a civil union or a partnership with a third person
• Prospective domestic partners share a common residence (although they need not own it, and do not cease to share a common residence if one leaves but intends to return)
• Prospective domestic partners agree to be in a relationship of mutual interdependence
• Prospective domestic partners  affirm they have an intimate relationship and share responsibility for each other’s common welfare
• Prospective domestic partners as individuals agree to file a Declaration of Domestic Partnership with the proper official.
• Prospective domestic partners are not related by blood in a way that would prevent marriage in Ohio
• Prospective domestic partners file a notarized form with the city

Residency Requirements

Prospective domestic partners need not be permanent residents of Cincinnati, or even the state of Ohio. The registry is open to all that meet the qualifications, complete the paperwork, follow the process, and submit the fee.