Are civil unions recognized by the federal government?

No, civil unions are not recognized by the federal government. Civil unions are a form of legal recognition of relationships between two people, similar to marriage but not the same. This form of legal recognition is only recognized by some states, including California. Civil unions provide many of the same protections that married couples receive from the state, such as hospital visitation rights, inheritance rights, and insurance benefits. The federal government does not recognize civil unions, nor does it offer federal benefits to couples in civil unions. Even if a couple in a civil union moves to a state that does not recognize their relationship, their civil union is not legally recognized. In contrast, marriages are recognized by the federal government. The federal government offers federal benefits to married couples, such as joint filing of tax returns and Social Security survivor benefits. Marriage remains an important legal status, as it provides legal benefits that civil unions do not. Civil unions are an important form of relationship recognition for many couples in California. While they may not offer the same protections as marriage, they are still an important option for couples who may not want to marry or may not be able to under state or local laws.

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Are civil unions recognized by the federal government?

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