What is a civil union?

A civil union is a legally recognized relationship similar to marriage, offering many of the same rights and responsibilities at the state or national level. While the specific details can vary depending on the jurisdiction, civil unions generally provide partners with legal protections related to areas such as:

• Property rights: This includes rights to jointly owned property, inheritance, and division of assets upon dissolution of the union.
• Healthcare decisions: Partners often have the right to make medical decisions for each other if one is incapacitated.
• Tax benefits: Depending on the jurisdiction, civil union partners may be eligible for some state tax benefits similar to those available to married couples.
• Inheritance rights: Civil union partners generally have inheritance rights similar to those of spouses.
• Parental rights: In some jurisdictions, civil unions grant parental rights to same-sex partners who raise children together.

It's important to note that the rights and responsibilities associated with a civil union can differ significantly from those of marriage, particularly at the federal level. Federal recognition of civil unions is limited in many countries, especially compared to the full federal benefits afforded to married couples.

The availability and legal status of civil unions have been affected by the legalization of same-sex marriage in many countries. Some jurisdictions that previously offered civil unions have since replaced them with marriage equality, while others continue to offer both options.