Can a civil union be converted into a marriage?

Yes, a civil union in West Virginia can be converted into a marriage. In West Virginia, a civil union is defined as a legal relationship between two individuals who are of the same or opposite gender, that is similar to a marriage. A civil union includes all of the same rights and responsibilities of a marriage, with the exception of the right to use the title “spouse” or the right to obtain a marriage license. In order to convert a civil union into a marriage, a couple must submit an application for a marriage license to the West Virginia Clerk of the County Commission or a Deputy Clerk at their local county courthouse. A couple must provide proof of dissolution or termination of any prior civil union in order to be granted a marriage license. Additionally, the couple must sign a declaration of intention to become married and provide the appropriate documents and fees. Once the marriage license application has been approved, the marriage must be solemnized by a West Virginia notary public or minister. After the solemnization of the marriage, the couple must then record the license with the county courthouse that issued the license. Once the marriage has been recorded, the civil union will be considered terminated, and the couple will be legally married and recognized as such.

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