Does a civil union require a lawyer to draft it?
No, a civil union in South Dakota does not require a lawyer to draft it. A civil union is a legal relationship between two people, similar to a marriage, which grants them many of the same rights and benefits. In South Dakota, two adults who are 18 years of age or older can enter into a civil union by signing a civil union declaration. This document must be signed in the presence of two adult witnesses, who must also sign the document. The declaration must be notarized, which can be done without the use of a lawyer. Once the civil union is completed and the declaration is notarized, the couple is legally recognized as a civil union. This includes granting the couple the same rights and benefits as a married couple, such as the rights and benefits associated with joint filing of taxes, insurance coverage, hospital visitation, inheritance, and other related matters. Given that a civil union does not require a lawyer to draft it, it is a much simpler and more cost-effective way for two adults to get the same rights and benefits as a married couple. It is important to note, however, that it is a good idea to discuss all the legal implications of entering into a civil union with an attorney. Although a lawyer is not needed for the initial declaration of the civil union, a lawyer can provide helpful advice regarding the rights and benefits the couple will be entitled to.
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