{"id":19615,"date":"2024-08-23T08:25:28","date_gmt":"2024-08-23T13:25:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gbfamilylaw.com\/?p=19615"},"modified":"2024-08-23T08:25:30","modified_gmt":"2024-08-23T13:25:30","slug":"what-is-a-civil-union","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gbfamilylaw.com\/blogs\/what-is-a-civil-union\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is a Civil Union?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Civil unions are legally recognized partnerships between two individuals that provide many of the same legal obligations, protections, and benefits as marriage under state law, although a civil union, by definition, is not a marriage. The recognition and terms of civil unions can vary significantly by state; while some states have civil union laws with protections nearly identical to marriage, others have more limited benefits or do not offer civil unions at all. When couples decide to have their relationship recognized legally, the vast majority opt for marriage, but some have chosen a civil union for their relationship instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While civil unions were once an option in many states (not including Texas), Civil unions in most states were phased out after the U.S. Supreme Court\u2019s 2015 decision legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide. Some states that had civil unions automatically converted them to marriages. Today, only five states, including New Jersey, Illinois, Hawaii, and Colorado still give couples the option to enter into a civil union.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefits of Civil Unions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Couples may have chosen to pursue a civil union for a variety of reasons. For some, a civil union aligns better with their personal beliefs or financial situations than a marriage. Those who choose a civil union may enjoy several benefits under the laws of their state, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n