Does a civil union provide the same rights to partners as a traditional marriage?
In New Jersey, the answer to the question of whether a civil union provides the same rights to partners as a traditional marriage is complicated. A civil union is a legal relationship between two people who are not married but have committed to one another in a committed relationship. While a civil union provides the same rights and responsibilities under state law as a traditional marriage, it is not recognized under federal law. Therefore, there are certain protections and rights that are available to married couples that are not available to those in a civil union. In terms of rights, civil union partners in New Jersey are entitled to many of the same rights as those of married couples. These include the right to legal recognition of the relationship, inheritance, health care decisions, health insurance, access to family court services, and adoption rights. Civil union partners also have the right to spousal support and survivor benefits in the event of the death of a partner. However, it is important to note that civil unions in New Jersey do not have the same access to tax benefits and Social Security benefits as married couples. Additionally, civil unions are not recognized in other states, so partners may not benefit from the same rights and privileges when they travel out of state. Ultimately, while a civil union in New Jersey does provide many of the same rights and responsibilities as a traditional marriage, there are key differences that couples should be aware of if they choose to enter into a civil union rather than a traditional marriage.
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