How is a civil union different from marriage?

A civil union is a legal relationship that is similar to marriage but distinct from it. Civil unions offer many of the same rights and benefits as marriage, such as the ability to share health insurance and file joint taxes. In New Jersey, civil unions are regulated by the civil union law. The main difference between a civil union and a marriage is that a civil union is not universally recognized. While civil unions are legally recognized in New Jersey, they are not necessarily recognized by other states. This means that couples in a civil union may not have the same rights and benefits as married couples in other states or when traveling abroad. Another difference is the religious aspect. Some churches will not recognize a civil union as equal to a marriage. This means that the couple may not be able to participate in religious ceremonies such as weddings or funerals. In New Jersey, civil unions offer the same legal protections as marriage. Couples in a civil union have the same rights to adopt children, receive alimony, and inherit estates as married couples. However, there are still certain limitations that married couples do not face. These include filing joint federal taxes and receiving certain federal benefits. In conclusion, civil unions are similar to marriage in most respects, but there are some differences that should be considered when making a decision about which relationship is right for you.

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