Domestic partners can begin registering

Unmarried domestic partners living in Salt Lake City can begin registering their unions at 8 a.m. today at City Hall.

The city's mutual commitment registry was proposed by Mayor Ralph Becker and approved by the Salt Lake City Council as a mechanism by which employers voluntarily can extend health care and other benefits to their employees' domestic partners — including gay couples, siblings, long-term roommates and parents.

The registry is being administered by the city recorder's office, located in Room 415 of the Salt Lake City-County Building, 451 S. State. Cost to register is $25 per couple.

In order to qualify for the registry, individuals must be in a committed relationship and responsible for each other's welfare. In addition, registrants must demonstrate financial interdependence, be over 18 years old, competent to contract and share a primary residence in Salt Lake City.

To prove financial interdependence, applicants will need to produce three of the following five documents: joint obligation on a mortgage, lease or vehicle ownership; a life insurance policy or retirement benefits account that designates the domestic partner as a beneficiary; a mutually granted power of attorney; proof that the partner is able to sign for the other's bank or credit account; proof of a joint bank or credit account.

Those wanting to register can obtain from the city and fill out a declaration of mutual commitment form, which must be signed by both parties and notarized. The completed forms will be kept on file in the city recorder's office. Individuals will receive two certified copies of the official statement documenting their registration.

The city recorder's office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, call 535-7671.