Domestic Partnership Agreements
Estate Planning, Property Rights, Assets & Debts
Dissolution of Domestic Partnerships

Mark J. McGowan, Esq.
Mark J. McGowan is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Stanford University (1981) and of Stanford Law School (1984). Mark is devoutly dedicated to providing each selected client with personal, caring counsel, attentive accessibility, diligent performance and quality service.
Domestic Partnership Attorney
Mark J. McGowan
Beginning any domestic partnership calls for a written agreement defining your interests and expectations, to minimize confusion and conflict down the road. Terminating a domestic partnership requires even more legal expertise, including whether or how you can avoid divorce court.
Regardless how you define your relationship, negotiated written agreements can be extremely helpful in defining and protecting your rights against third-party interference in the event of a serious accident or breakdown in your relationship.
Contact The Law Offices of Mark J. McGowan, PC for help with the practical and legal aspects of your domestic partnership. Our legal expertise, advice, and guidance can help you in such situations as:
- Documentation and registration of a domestic partnership agreement
- Estate planning to define rights to inheritance, medical or financial decisions in the event of incapacity or guardianship of minor children
- Adoption: joint adoption, adoption of a partner’s child or surrogate adoption
- Clarification of property rights and liability for debts in the event of dissolution
- Child custody and support concerns in the event of a discontinued relationship
The laws surrounding same sex couples are ever changing. Laws concerning the recognition of same-sex couples are still unsettled. In some areas of the country, your domestic partnership may give you the same rights and responsibilities as married heterosexual couples. If you relocate to a state that does not have the same standards in place, you may risk inheritance rights, parental rights and the ability to make healthcare decisions for an incapacitated partner. Be certain you know your rights surrounding domestic partnership and relocation.
Understanding your legal rights when entering into domestic partnerships can help you avoid later conflicts. Couples seeking to dissolve a domestic partnership need as much legal help as married couples pursuing divorce.
Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation at 760-340-3332

Inquire by Email
Schedule your free consultation with attorney Mark J. McGowan today by calling our Palm Desert offices at 760-340-3332 or inquire by email with a brief summary of your situation, issue or question.
Visit Our Palm Desert Office
72-630 Fred Waring, Suite 201
Palm Desert, CA 92260
760-340-3332
Located on west side of Fred Waring between Monterey and Hwy 111. Look for our signs on any side of the building and take the elevator to the second floor. We look forward to meeting you.