Are there any legal or financial incentives to enter into a civil union?

In New Jersey, a civil union is a legal union of two people that provides certain rights and responsibilities such as hospital visitation rights, health insurance benefits, and inheritance rights, if needed. Although a civil union does not grant the same federal benefits as a marriage, there are both legal and financial incentives available. Legally, a civil union grants both partners rights to make medical decisions and manage finances on behalf of the other partner if the other partner is unable or unwilling. This can be especially helpful in the event of illness or disability. Additionally, two partners living in a civil union will be treated the same as married couples when it comes to matters like child care and support. Financially, civil union partners may be eligible to receive Social Security, supplemental security income, and veterans’ benefits. They may also be entitled to certain Medicaid and Medicare benefits, as well as joint federal and state income tax filing. Furthermore, civil union partners may be able to receive pension benefits due to the other partner’s work record. Therefore, it is clear that there are both legal and financial incentives to enter into a civil union in New Jersey. Although entering into a civil union may not provide the same rights as a marriage, it does provide certain rights and responsibilities that may be beneficial to both parties.

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