In some jurisdictions domestic partnerships are created by statute rather than having been the invention of judicial decisions. One of the reason for the creation of the relation of domestic partnership is to recognize the contribution of one partner to the property of the other. In the common law such devices such as the constructive trust are available to protect spouses, in legal marriage or in common-law marriage. In civil law jurisdictions this type of legal concept is generally not available so courts have tried to find alternative ways to protect the partner who has contributed to the other partner's property.
Some jurisdictions have instituted domestic partnerships as a way to recognize same-sex unions. See also same-sex marriage.
On September 4, 2003 California legislature passes expanded domestic partnership bill. The state assembly approved a measure to extend nearly all the legal rights of married couples to people in same-sex partnerships. If signed by the governor, the bill will become law in 2005. [1] New Jersey passed such a bill on January 8, 2004. [1]