The Three Most-Frequently Asked Questions About Civil Unions
- Are Civil Union Partners Afforded The Same Protections As Marriage Partners?
- What Is The Difference Between Domestic Partnerships And Civil Unions?
- How Do I End A Civil Union?
1. Are Civil Union Partners Afforded The Same Protections As Marriage Partners?
Under New Jersey law, Civil Union (CU) partners are afforded the same protections as marriage partners.
However, Federal law does not recognize CUs in the same way. For Federal taxation purposes, CU partners are not afforded any of the benefits of marriage partners. In addition, CU partners are not eligible to receive derivative Social Security benefits.
2. What Is The Difference Between Domestic Partnerships and Civil Unions?
Partners who have entered a Domestic Partnership (DP) do not have all of the same benefits and protections under New Jersey law as those who have entered a CU. If you wish to have those protections, you must follow the required procedures for obtaining a CU.
3. How Do I End A Civil Union?
A CU can be ended in the same way as a marriage – by the filing of a complaint for dissolution of the CU. Dissolution of CU complaints is handled by the Family Part of the Superior Court of New Jersey. Each dissolution case has different issues, but many will involve issues of child custody, parenting time, support, equitable distribution of assets and debts acquired during union.
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