What are the legal implications of a civil union?
A civil union is a legal arrangement that gives couples, regardless of gender, many of the same rights and obligations as married couples in South Carolina. This type of union was created in order to provide recognition and protection for couples that are not currently able to get marriage. A civil union provides couples with the same state-level rights and benefits as those of a marriage. Some of these include the ability to have a joint bank account, health insurance, and tax benefits. Additionally, civil union partners can make medical decisions on behalf of each other, and may be entitled to inheritance or death benefits. In terms of legal implications, two people in a civil union have the right to be legally recognized as a couple, and as such the state will assume responsibility for issues such as child support, property division, and custody. Furthermore, the union is legally binding, meaning that if the relationship dissolves, both parties are responsible for honoring the agreement they have made. Finally, a civil union may also require one party to pay alimony, and the other to receive it or divide assets upon dissolution. This legal arrangement, however, is not recognized in the same way as a marriage and cannot be dissolved in the same way. As such, civil union partners may choose to file for an annulment or dissolution of their partnership if need be.
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