Civil Unions & Domestic Partnerships
Illinois Civil Unions & Domestic Partnerships Attorney
Civil unions, or domestic partnerships, are more and more common as many couples either choose not to get married or are not allowed to marry because they are same-sex. Often couples still wish to enjoy the legal rights and protections of marriage, and civil unions offer the opportunity to do so. Just as some marriages end in divorce, however, civil unions may also come to an end. At Momkus McCluskey, LLC, we are experienced in handling dissolutions of civil unions as well as domestic partnership agreements. A progressive law firm, our attorneys offer a full range of family law services to same-sex and unmarried couples.
Civil Union Laws in Illinois
As of June 1, 2011, Illinois joined a handful of states allowing civil unions. The Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act (Senate Bill 1716) was signed into law in January 2011. This law allows same-sex couples and unmarried heterosexual couples that enter into a civil union to enjoy many of the same rights as married couples including:
- Inheritance rights
- Hospital visitation rights
- Rights to make emergency medical decision for their partners
- Adoption and parental rights
- The right to make funeral arrangements
- The right to share a room in a nursing home or hospital
- Pension benefits
- Employee benefits (state level)
- Equal tax treatment
This Illinois law only affects state rights. Unmarried couples still do not have federal rights such as the right to file joint federal tax returns. Consequently, it is still wise to consult with a knowledgeable attorney prior to entering into a civil union to ensure your rights and interests are protected to the full extent possible.
Our attorneys assist clients in establishing the necessary documentation to protect their union. Additionally, we assist clients in drafting agreements prior to a civil union to protect their interests should the union come to and end. A pre-civil union agreement offers all of the same benefits of a prenuptial agreement.
To schedule a consultation with an experienced and knowledgeable family law attorney skilled in civil union issues, contact Momkus McCluskey, LLC.
