Domicile is more permanent and is essentially somebody's home base. L Meaning of Domicile.The term "domicile" has a special legal definition that is not the same as residence. A domicile is a place where you voluntarily establish yourself and your family. When evaluating the residency requirement for a divorce in California, the key word is "domicile. Domicile refers to the place you call home permanently. Your domicile is important for legal purposes such as paying taxes, voting, and claiming benefits.