Are civil unions recognized on death certificates?
Yes, civil unions are recognized on death certificates in Washington. In Washington, all legally formed civil unions are legally recognized and respected in the same way as a marriage. The Death Certificate of a person who is in a civil union is to list the surviving partner as his or her "Spouse" or "Surviving Spouse" or "Surviving Partner". Since same-sex marriage became legal in Washington in 2012, same-sex couples can get legally married, and married couples are automatically in a civil union. Civil unions have the same legal rights and responsibilities as married couples, so they are entitled to the same legal honor and recognition on death certificates. The main difference between a marriage and a civil union in Washington is that a civil union is not necessary for a couple to enjoy the same rights as a married couple. Couples can get legally married or they can enter into a civil union to declare their love and commitment without having to file a marriage license. All couples should notify their local Vital Records Office upon the death of a partner in a civil union. They may also need to provide documentation of the civil union, and the death certificate should be updated with the proper language. Depending on the circumstances, a funeral director or other official may also need to be notified. In conclusion, civil unions are legally recognized in Washington and the death certificates of those who are in a civil union will list the surviving partner as his or her "Spouse" or "Surviving Spouse" or "Surviving Partner".
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