What is a civil union?

A civil union is a legal agreement between two people, typically two of the same sex, in which they are recognized as a couple with some of the same rights and benefits as married couples. This type of union is not recognized by the federal government, so couples must receive these rights and benefits through state law. In Arizona, a civil union is recognized and provides some of the same rights and benefits of marriage, which include adoption rights, rights to a partner’s healthcare and survivorship benefits, and hospital and prison visitation rights. Additionally, Arizona law recognizes the civil union of a same-sex couple from another state. Civil unions are different from marriages in that they do not have the religious or spiritual connotations associated with marriage and are not recognized by the federal government. Although same-sex marriages are now granted the same legal recognition in Arizona as opposite-sex marriages, civil unions are still available as an option for those who feel more comfortable with the legal implications of the term “civil union”.

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Is a civil union recognized by the IRS?
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Does a civil union provide the same rights to partners as a traditional marriage?
Are civil unions recognized on health insurance benefits?
How do I terminate a civil union?
Are civil unions recognized on Social Security benefits?
Are civil unions recognized for life insurance benefits?
Does a civil union provide any rights to a surviving partner?
Is a civil union recognized in military benefits?
Can a civil union be revoked?

What is a civil union?

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