What are the legal benefits of a civil union?

A civil union grants people in a same-sex relationship the same legal rights and benefits as those of married couples in California. This includes the right to adopt children, file taxes jointly, participate in healthcare decision making, and have joint ownership of property. These rights also extend to certain health care benefits, such as hospital visits and access to health insurance coverage. A civil union also provides legal recognition of a relationship, granting the couple the same privileges under state law as a married couple. This includes the right to inherit property, receive spousal support in the event of a separation, and access to family medical leave. Additionally, either partner in a civil union may be entitled to Social Security benefits based on the other partner’s record, as well as access to their partner’s pension plan. Finally, a civil union in California grants couples important immigration rights, allowing them to stay together even if one partner is not a US citizen. This can be useful in cases where one partner is seeking asylum. Additionally, civil unions can be dissolved in the same way as marriages, providing a legal avenue for couples to end their relationship. In summary, a civil union in California grants couples most of the same legal rights and benefits as married couples, including the right to adopt children, joint ownership of property, and access to family medical leave. These legal protections can be invaluable for same-sex couples seeking to create a family and live together.

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