§ 767-3. Domestic Partnership Criteria.

To establish a domestic partnership, two individuals must file a declaration of domestic partnership with the Clerk of Council affirming one of the following:

(a)

That both individuals share a government-issued marriage license not recognized by the state of Ohio; or

(b)

That both individuals meet all of the following eligibility requirements:

(1)

Are not currently married to another adult as recognized by Ohio law; and

(2)

Are not legally separated from another person either under statutory or common law; and

(3)

Share responsibility for each other's common welfare; and

(4)

Are at least eighteen (18) years of age and mentally competent to consent to contract; and

(5)

Are financially interdependent, as demonstrated by at least four (4) of the following:

(i)

Joint ownership of real estate property or joint tenancy on a residential lease; or

(ii)

Joint ownership of an automobile; or

(iii)

Joint bank or credit account; or

(iv)

Joint liabilities, e.g., credit cards or loans; or

(v)

A will designating the interdependent adults as primary beneficiaries; or

(vi)

A retirement plan or life insurance policy beneficiary designation form designating the interdependent adults as primary beneficiaries; or

(vii)

A durable power of attorney signed to the effect that the two interdependent adults have granted powers to one another.

(Ordained by Emer. Ord. 131-2014, § 1, eff. June 4, 2014)