Civil Unions And Same-Sex Marriage Laws
Between 2011 and 2014 many partners chose to enter into a civil union after Illinois passed the civil union law. Although same-sex marriage is now legal in Illinois and all states, couples who entered into civil unions prior to the change in law and who did not convert their unions may still be offered the same protections as same-sex partners under the Illinois Civil Union law. All same-sex partners receive the same protections, benefits and responsibilities extended to married couples under state and federal law.
Alexandra M. Goddard, Jessica L. Malmquist, and Alison G. Turoff, are attorneys with 75 years of combined legal experience serving the Chicago area. Whether you need help understanding how the civil union law affects your relationship or how to dissolve a civil union, we can provide skilled guidance and representation.
Illinois Attorney Advising Clients On Marriage And Civil Unions
Unlike couples who enter into domestic partnerships and cohabitation agreements, those who enter into civil unions are treated the same as married couples by state and local government agencies. The civil union option is particularly attractive to senior citizens who do not want to lose certain Social Security and pension benefits, and couples that want to obtain many of the benefits of marriage without the marital relationship.
If you have decided to end your civil union, you will need to go to court to obtain a formal dissolution. The dissolution of a civil union is virtually identical to a divorce, though there are some lingering special considerations that will require special attention.
Ready To Assist You With Civil Union Matters
The civil union law in Illinois brings up novel issues requiring careful analysis. We have the experience and insight to address these issues on behalf of our clients. To schedule a meeting to discuss how we can assist you with your concerns, please contact our firm, Greenwich Law Group, LLC, at 847-382-3995 or by email. Our lawyers represent clients from offices in Chicago and Oak Park.
