Truean, those first two links go to the same place
Hum, one is supposed to go to page 222 of the thread and the other 223..... Fixed I think. Feh, it's been a hell of a day.
As for all that complication, while I'd definitely rather folks just figure out a way to make all forms of partnership work, it definitely seems more to me like really strong support for just doing away with civil unions entirely. You want to be treated as a single entity? Incorporate, I guess. Want to sign a contract of continued support? Sign the bloody contract. Etc., so forth.
Just seems more and more like domestic partnership on a legal level isn't worth the hassle and legal complication. Only thing I personally know of that it gives you is legal permission to visit your partner in the hospital, really (and I'm fairly sure you could get around that elseways), and some degree of taxation consideration.
There's probably some bias on my part, though; even if I do end up in a long-term (or even permanent) relationship, there's no way in hell I'm entering into a legally binding contract in relation to it, beyond, perhaps, a will. If I'm going to support and be interdependent with someone, it's going to be solely by my own free will, not with a specter of legal coercion haunting it.
A corporation, bastardized legal construct that it is which is deserving of death, is meant to be eternal and outlive its members. This is fundamentally against what a "marriage" is and why its referred to as a "partnership." The legal notion of a "corporation" being applied to professions (like investment banking) that were traditionally partnerships has played a large hand towards destroying our economy and I would seriously make it a political platform that all investment banking institutions have their corporate charters nullified and revoked by statute and forced to become partnerships again, under threat of a $100,000/day fine. They were partnerships run by professionals before this mess and they should be again. With a partnership for professions, YOU as owner are personally responsible and thus you won't make those mistakes knowing it is your hide on the line. Shareholders have no business telling professionals what to do. Shareholders seem to think their wallets equal their IQ, it doesn't, get out. The corporate construct is an undead vampire; we need some wooden stakes.... You want to have a say in how the business is run? Put some of your own skin in the game.... Personal liability....
There are exceptions where it DOES work, but even then... personal liability = less massive risks taken that endanger the entire economy....
Concerning tax benefits, there are well over 1000 to marriage in the US. Hospital visitation can sort of be gotten around with POA (Power of attorney), but even a limited power of attorney specifically tailored to that is messy as hell. Trying to backdoor in marriage via legal services not intended for this purpose is difficult at best and will not be the same.
Then of course let's not forget the social implications: "O you two aren't
'really' married...." [middle finger directly in the face of person saying this].
Thank you, we enjoy being reminded you consider us
second third class citizens.
I think you are missing the difference between "big dick" and "needs to be completely redecorated."
Like a living room. You know--drapes, carpet, color treatment, smell, size, everything you can possibly think of. Really. Everything.
Yeah, agreed. Sorta being subjected to both; there's really no comparison.