Does a civil union confer any additional rights or benefits?
A civil union is a legally recognized union between two people which grants certain rights to the couple. In North Carolina, civil unions confer rights to both partners similar to those of married couples. Couples in a civil union are legally recognized as “spouses” and the law affords civil union partners many of the same protections that married couples receive. This includes inheritance rights, financial support obligations, and other legal rights and benefits. Civil union partners are able to make medical decisions for each other and may qualify for each other’s insurance benefits. They are also able to file joint state tax returns with the same tax benefits as those who file jointly as married couples. The state must recognize the civil union when it comes to intestate succession, or the transfer of a deceased’s property when there is no will. Additionally, partners in a civil union are also able to petition the court for visitation rights or custody of a deceased partner’s minor children. In North Carolina, a civil union does confer additional rights and benefits that unmarried couples lack. However, civil unions do not have all the same rights and benefits that married couples do. For example, civil unions are not recognized under federal law, so these couples may not qualify for social security benefits, immigration benefits, or other federal benefits. This means that it is important for couples in a civil union to understand the scope of their rights and make sure that their rights are properly protected.
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