在圣盖博谷（SGV）日益多元化的社区中，许多家庭建立在非传统婚姻的伴侣关系之上。由邓洪律师（Daniel Deng）领军的邓洪律师事务所，致力于为所有家庭成员提供“无畏的辩护”。在 2026 年，加州法律明确规定：注册家庭伴侣（Registered Domestic Partners）在过失致死诉讼中享有与配偶完全同等的法律地位。  

家庭伴侣是否有权提起诉讼？

是的。根据《加州民事诉讼法》第 377.60 条，在受害者死亡时已根据《加州家庭法》完成登记的伴侣，具有法律上的“原告资格”（Standing）。这意味着您可以就失去伴侣的陪伴、经济支持以及精神慰藉向责任方索赔。  

“法定继承”：未登记伴侣的法律防线

一个常见的“陷阱”是长期同居但未正式注册的伴侣。在这种情况下，起诉权并非自动获得。然而，第 377.60(a) 条提供了一条补救路径：如果死者没有子女，且该伴侣根据《加州遗嘱认证法》第 6401 条被视为合法继承人（Heirs by Intestate Succession），则仍可能获得起诉权。  

• 已注册伴侣： 自动继承所有共同财产及部分个人财产。
• 未注册伴侣： 往往需要证明自己属于“推定配偶”（Putative Spouse）或在经济上完全依赖死者，才能获得法庭认可。

2026 年伴侣可获得的赔偿范围

在过失致死案中，家庭伴侣可申请以下赔偿：

• 亲属追偿权（Loss of Consortium）： 补偿失去伴侣的爱、安慰、陪伴及亲密关系的损失。  
• 经济支持损失： 伴侣未来本可以为家庭提供的收入现值。
• 丧葬费用： 补偿安排后事所产生的直接开支。

邓洪律师事务所：您的正义坚盾

我们提供“无畏的辩护”。我们深知在华人社区中，有些伴侣关系可能由于文化原因较为低调，但在法律面前，您的权利神圣不可侵犯。

• 母语服务： 我们用您的母语解析复杂的《民事诉讼法》与《遗嘱认证法》，确保沟通无碍。
• 身份界定： 协助您调取登记记录或收集证明“经济依赖”的证据，确保护法无虞。
• 捍卫尊严： 作为“人民的声音”，我们确保大保险公司不能因为您的家庭结构非传统而歧视您的赔偿请求。

无论您的家庭如何构成，当悲剧发生时，邓洪律师事务所都是您通往公正审判的桥梁。

The Rights of Domestic Partners: Standing in California Wrongful Death Claims

In the evolving social fabric of the San Gabriel Valley, many families are built on partnerships that do not mirror traditional marriage. At Deng Law Center, led by Daniel Deng, we believe that "Justice for the community" must be inclusive. In 2026, California law is explicit: Registered Domestic Partners hold the same legal standing as surviving spouses when it comes to filing a wrongful death lawsuit. However, navigating these rights requires a deep understanding of CCP § 377.60 and the nuances of intestate succession.  

Do Domestic Partners Have the Right to Sue?

Yes. Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60, a "domestic partner" is specifically named as a party with standing to assert a cause of action for wrongful death. To qualify in 2026, the partnership must have been a registered domestic partnership established in accordance with the California Family Code at the time of the decedent's death. This registration serves as the "Shield" that protects your right to seek compensation for the loss of your partner’s companionship and financial support.  

Intestate Succession: The Safety Net for Non-Registered Partners

A frequent "trap" occurs when a long-term couple never officially registered their partnership. In such cases, standing is not automatic. However, CCP § 377.60(a) provides a secondary path: if the decedent has no surviving children (issue), the domestic partner may still sue if they are considered an heir under Intestate Succession (Probate Code § 6401).  

• Registered Partners: Automatically inherit 100% of community property and a significant portion of separate property.  
• Unregistered Partners: May face significant hurdles and often must prove they were "putative" partners or financially dependent on the decedent to gain standing.

Recoverable Damages for Partners in 2026

Domestic partners are eligible for the same "Non-Economic" and "Economic" damages as spouses, including:

• Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the loss of love, companionship, and intimacy.  
• Lost Financial Support: The present value of future earnings the partner would have contributed to the household.
• Funeral and Burial Expenses: Direct reimbursement for the costs of laying a loved one to rest.

Why Choose Deng Law Center?

We are "Protective & Bold." We understand that for many in our community, the legal process can feel like an intrusion into a private relationship. We speak your language and act as your bridge to a fair trial. We ensure that your partnership is respected by the courts and that the insurance companies recognize the full value of the life that was lost. At Deng Law Center, we don't just file claims; we defend the dignity of your family.

Legal Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Standing for unregistered partners is highly fact-specific and requires immediate consultation with a licensed attorney.