Our Guidance In Matters Involving Marriage And Civil Unions
Hurst, Robin & Kay, LLC, is an experienced team of attorneys who have helped thousands of individuals with divorce and related matters in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. With more than 20 years of experience, the attorneys at our firm pride themselves on offering experienced, personalized and compassionate representation when it comes to matters related to marriage and civil unions.
When possible, we will always try to reach a favorable agreement without putting you through the stress and expense of a court proceeding. However, if it becomes necessary to place a case in the hands of a judge, we will aggressively pursue the outcome that you are seeking with a thoroughly prepared case to present to the court. Though we are highly skilled negotiators, we also provide clients with the aggressive representation that is needed in a highly contested divorce case.
We offer thorough advice and representation in matters such as:
- Divorces, whether contested or uncontested
- Legal separation
- Domestic partnerships or civil unions
- Spousal maintenance/alimony
- Prenuptial, postnuptial and cohabitation agreements
- Division of assets and debts
If children are involved, we also work to meet your goals regarding child custody and other parenting issues under Illinois laws. Remember, you only have one shot at your divorce case. If you get it wrong, the consequences can negatively impact you and your children’s lives forever.
Marriage
A marriage is a legally or formally recognized union of two people as partners in a personal relationship. In the United States and many other countries throughout the world, marriage has historically stated that this union is between a man and a woman but in more progressive places such as the state of Illinois, same-sex marriages are legally binding the same way that more traditional marriages between a man and a woman are.
Civil Union
In the U.S., a civil union provides a couple with a legal status that is similar to marriage. Prior to 2015 when same same-sex marriage became legal throughout the United States, it was a key way for same-sex couples to get the same protections offered to them as those offered to heterosexual married couples. While many couples have celebrated their civil union in the same way people celebrate a wedding with a fabulous party and festive attire, now only Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, and New Jersey issue new couples this status.
When same-sex marriages were made legal at the federal level in 2015, some existing civil unions were converted to marriages, however many couples chose to remain in these civil unions. In the states that allow them, many couples still opt to acquire this status rather than that of marriage.
Civil Union Rights
In Illinois and the other states that civil unions are still issued and recognized in, civil unions typically share the following same protections as marriages:
Estate Planning
When a spouse dies, the other one can inherit their assets without incurring taxes.
Employment Benefits
A spouse can be covered by the other spouse’s employment benefits such as health
insurance and the right to take bereavement leave if their spouse passes away.
Healthcare Decisions
A spouse may have the right to make healthcare decisions for their spouse in the event that they are incapable of making them for themselves. As well, a spouse has the same visitation rights as if they were married, if their spouse is sick enough to be in a place that doesn’t allow visitors or where the visiting hours are very limited, etc.
Parental Rights
Spouses may share joint parent rights over their children.
Property Rights
Spouses may co-own property as joint owners and have the same rights as a married
couple if one passes away.
Alimony Rights
A spouse may seek alimony if their civil union is dissolved.
Spousal Privilege
A spouse cannot be forced to testify against their spouse in court.
Taxes
Spouses may file state taxes jointly.
While federal law allows citizens who are of sound mind and 18 years of age and older to get married regardless of their gender or sexual orientation or that of their spouse, a civil union only guarantees the above rights within the state it was granted.
Federal Benefits of Marriage
In addition to all of the rights mentioned above that are given to couples in a civil union, marriage grants couples certain unique rights and protections at the federal level that include:
- Immigration Rights
- Social Security Rights
- Tax Rights
- Veterans’ Rights
If you need help with any legal matters pertaining to a civil union or a marriage, contact Hurst Robin & Kay for a free, initial case consultation.
Get Legal Guidance Personalized For Your Own Circumstances
Call today to speak with our lawyers at 312-782-2400, or send an email.