Since same sex couples need to be pro-active in the case of inheritance, your partner can and should transfer the Colorado property to both of you as joint tenants with the right of survivorship. However, you should seek the advice of an attorney to assure that the deed is drafted properly. In some states creation of a joint tenancy by an individual who already owns property requires that the property be conveyed to a third party then back to the two who will become joint tenants with the right of survivorship. In those states the interests must be equal and created at the same time. That process can be accomplished by an attorney using a straw deed. If not done properly the deed could fail to create a joint tenancy with the right of survivorship. In that case the tenancy would default to a tenancy in common and your partner's half would pass to his heirs at law and not to you.
Yes
You become a resident of California by LIVING in California, this has nothing to do with marriage or legal status- an illegal can be a resident of California
To establish residency in Colorado, you generally need to be physically present in the state for at least 12 consecutive months. This includes demonstrating intent to make Colorado your permanent home, such as obtaining a state driver's license, registering to vote, and paying state taxes as a resident.
California doesn't recognize in state common law marriages. If you are in a common law marriage in a state that allows such marriages, then California would recognize the marriage as valid, but California state law doesn't itself allow for common law marriages. Also, remember, that if you MOVE to California (i.e. become a California resident), and you were common-law married in your prior state, then California may or may not recognize that prior marriage as valid. California law is more than a bit fuzzy on that point, and it can become a serious problem in cases of divorce or death of a spouse. Virtually all California Family Law lawyers will absolutely recommend that you get an official California Marriage License if you intend to become a California resident.
Fro the shops, yes.
no
yes you do
no you cannot
You will be considered a resident of the state of California as long as you live in the state. If you sell your home and move to another in the state, you will still be a resident.
yes
No. You can only get a California license if you're a resident of California.
Yes. You do not need to be a California resident to marry in California. To apply for a marriage license, both parties must appear in person and bring valid photo ID such as a drivers license, passport, state issued ID, etc. to the County Clerk's Office. Some counties may also require a copy of your birth certificate. If you have been married before, you will need to know the specific date your last marriage ended, and how it ended (Death, Dissolution, Divorce or Nullity). Some counties may require a copy of the final judgment if your previous marriage ended by dissolution or nullity. Marriage licenses are valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. If you do not get married within 90 days, the license will no longer be valid. You must purchase a new license. The person solemnizing the marriage must return the original marriage license to the County Clerk or County Recorder as applicable within 10 days of the date of the ceremony. Best of luck!