Does a civil union provide any spousal support?

Yes, a civil union does provide spousal support in South Carolina. According to South Carolina law, both parties in a civil union are financially responsible for the other party’s basic needs such as food, clothing, and housing. Each party may seek court-ordered support payments from the other party to cover these daily needs. These payments are commonly referred to as alimony. Additionally, in the event that one party in the civil union dies, the surviving partner is entitled to receive a portion of the decedent’s estate, regardless of whether or not a will is present. This provision is known as elective share and is similar to a surviving spouse’s right to elect property in a traditional marriage. The surviving partner in a civil union is also entitled to a portion of the decedent’s social security benefits. In South Carolina, a civil union is not recognized at the state level as a legal marriage. However, individuals who have entered into a civil union are still afforded the same rights as those in a traditional marriage when it comes to seeking spousal support. This means that individuals are able to seek alimony, elective share, and other forms of spousal support from their partner in a civil union.

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