What legal rights do civil unions provide?
Civil unions offer different legal rights depending on where you reside. In the state of California, civil unions provide the same rights and benefits to same-sex couples that are available to married couples. This includes the right to make medical decisions for your partner, the right to own property together, the right to file joint tax returns, and the right to receive spousal benefits afforded to married couples. It also provides legal protection to the couple, granting them some of the same rights they would have in a marriage. These rights can be terminated when the union is dissolved. However, those in a civil union still receive the same federal and state legal rights and benefits as a married couple, including pension benefits, Social Security benefits, and healthcare rights through a partner’s employer. In addition, a partner in a civil union will be able to gain rights to a partner’s federal and state estate if their partner passes away. In California, same-sex couples have the same fundamental rights as opposite-sex couples. California civil unions are recognized throughout the entire state. This means that when same-sex couples move to other states, their civil unions will be recognized in those states as well. Therefore, receiving the same legal rights and benefits that opposite-sex couples receive in the same state.
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