{"id":351798,"date":"2016-04-04T11:02:35","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:02:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/family\/domestic-partnerships\/what-is-a-civil-union.html"},"modified":"2026-07-14T14:49:00","modified_gmt":"2026-07-14T19:49:00","slug":"what-is-a-civil-union","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/domestic-partnerships\/what-is-a-civil-union.html","title":{"rendered":"What Is a Civil Union?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What Is a Civil Union?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Jade Yeban, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Aviana Cooper, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

A civil union is a legal relationship between two people that provides similar protections as a marriage. Civil unions aimed to give same-sex couples the same privileges as a civil marriage.  Since same-sex couples now enjoy the same marital privileges as heterosexual couples, few states currently recognize civil unions. <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Civil unions are not recognized by all states. They are similar to\u00a0domestic partnerships<\/a>\u00a0in some ways. Primarily, states where marriage was unavailable established them as an alternative for same-sex couples.<\/p>\n

Domestic parnterships and civil union rules vary by state and can be confusing. Contact a local family attorney<\/a> to learn more about rights and protections in your area.<\/p>\n

Same-sex marriage is now legal in all states following the Supreme Court’s 2015\u00a0Obergefell v. Hodges<\/i><\/a>\u00a0ruling. But many of these marriages began with civil unions. Some states that legalized same-sex marriage before\u00a0Obergefell<\/i>\u00a0converted civil unions to marriages.<\/p>\n

This article provides a brief overview of civil unions. Keep reading to learn more.<\/p>\n

Why Choose a Civil Union?<\/h2>\n

Simply put, a civil union is a legally recognized relationship status. Civil unions provide many of the same protections and benefits as marriage. It’s important to remember that these protections and benefits often depend on state law. These laws can vary widely.<\/p>\n

In states like California, New Jersey, Hawaii, and Colorado, civil unions or similar arrangements (like registered domestic partnerships) are available to couples. These are not limited to same-sex couples. But many same-sex relationships entered civil unions before the 2015 Supreme Court decision. Opposite-sex couples can also enter civil unions or become registered domestic partners<\/a>.<\/p>\n

So, why would someone choose a civil union over a marriage? Sometimes, it’s a personal choice based on the couple’s beliefs or circumstances. Other times, it’s because they cannot get a marriage license due to their age. Usually, a person must be 18 years of age or older to marry. Some states allow younger people to enter civil unions or domestic partnerships.<\/p>\n

The History of Civil Unions<\/h2>\n

Civil unions have a rich history and are an important aspect of family law<\/a>. Civil unions are legally recognized relationships. They provide some of the same legal rights and responsibilities as marriage. This offered an alternative for same-sex relationships before same-sex marriage was legal. Civil unions also offered state recognition for opposite-sex couples who chose not to marry.<\/p>\n

Benefits of Civil Unions<\/h2>\n

One of the major benefits of civil unions and\u00a0registered domestic partnerships<\/a>\u00a0is that they can provide healthcare rights. This means that domestic partners can often make medical decisions for each other. Like married couples, they can cover each other on their health insurance plans.<\/p>\n

One of the crucial aspects of civil unions and domestic partnerships is visitation rights. During a hospital visitation, this can be very important. Hospitals sometimes restrict non-family members from visiting. This means that if your partner is in the hospital, you have the same rights as a spouse to visit them. You may be able to make medical decisions<\/a> on their behalf. This can be a lifesaver in critical situations.<\/p>\n

Civil unions also grant legal rights like\u00a0inheritance rights<\/a>. This means that if one partner passes away without a will, the other partner has a right to inherit their property. This is similar to what happens with a marriage or common-law marriage.<\/p>\n

Bereavement leave is essential as it acknowledges the emotional impact of losing a partner. It provides that partner with the necessary time for grief and adjustment. It’s a vital right granted in many relationship recognitions, including civil unions.<\/p>\n

Civil Union vs. Marriage<\/h2>\n

Generally speaking, there are three main differences between civil unions and marriages<\/a>:<\/p>\n