Civil unions offer many of the same benefits as marriage. It’s more than just the female or male wedding rings or signed documents. It’s the legal recognition of the relationship that affords couples more than 1,000 federal rights and benefits, including Social Security survivor benefits, immigration status, hospital visitation, and the right to file taxes jointly.
In addition to these important protections, civil unions also confer many other benefits upon same-sex couples. Here are 10 of the most significant:
1) Joint Ownership Of Property– In a civil union, partners can jointly own property, just as married couples do. This is important for same-sex couples who want to be able to share ownership of their home or other assets.
2) Joint Tenancy– Joint tenancy is a form of co-ownership of property that gives each tenant an equal interest in the property. This is important for same-sex couples who want to be sure that both partners have an equal say in what happens to the property.
3) Survivorship Rights– In a civil union, partners have survivorship rights, which means that if one partner dies, the other partner inherits the property. This is important for same-sex couples who want to be sure that their relationship is recognized in the event of one partner’s death.
4) Health Insurance Coverage– In a civil union, partners can be covered by each other’s health insurance policies. This is important for same-sex couples who want to be sure that both partners have access to quality health care. When one partner is sick or injured, the other partner will not have to worry about being able to afford medical care.
5) Family Leave– In a civil union, partners can take advantage of family leave policies. This is important for same-sex couples who want to be able to take time off from work to care for a sick or injured partner.
6) Bereavement Leave– In a civil union, partners can take advantage of bereavement leave policies. This is important for same-sex couples who want to be able to take time off from work to grieve the loss of a partner.
7) Retirement Benefits– In a civil union, partners can receive retirement benefits from each other. This is important for same-sex couples who want to be able to provide for each other in retirement.
8) Death Benefits– In a civil union, partners can receive death benefits from each other. This is important for same-sex couples who want to be sure that their relationship is recognized in the event of one partner’s death.
9) Immigration Status– In a civil union, partners can sponsor each other for immigration purposes. This is important for same-sex couples who want to be able to live together in the same country.
10) Tax Benefit– In a civil union, partners can file joint tax returns. This is important for same-sex couples who want to be able to take advantage of tax benefits.
These are just some of the many benefits that civil unions can provide for same-sex couples. When you enter into a civil union, you and your partner will be able to enjoy all of these benefits and more.