What are the legal implications of a civil union?
A civil union is a legally recognized relationship between two individuals in the state of Washington. It grants some of the same rights, responsibilities and protections as a traditional marriage. The first legal implication of a civil union is that it confers certain rights and benefits typically only associated with marriage. This includes having access to family health insurance, hospital visitation rights, the ability to make medical decisions for a partner in certain circumstances, and the ability to file state income tax returns jointly. Additionally, civil union partners may legally adopt each other’s children, and the surviving partner has automatic inheritance rights. The other legal implication of a civil union is that it carries certain responsibilities. Couples in a civil union are obligated to support one another and pay any legal debts incurred during the partnership. They must also share any real estate, family or other property that was acquired during the civil union. Additionally, if the civil union is dissolved, the partners must divide any shared property as they would in a divorce. Finally, it is important to note that although civil unions are not recognized at the federal level, they are recognized by Washington state law. Couples who enter into a civil union in Washington will have the same legal benefits and obligations as any other married couple in the state.
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