Civil Unions and Domestic Partnerships
Wheaton Civil Unions and Domestic Partnerships Attorneys
Not everyone chooses to get married in the traditional sense. For some people, living together as domestic partners may offer a sense of security. On the other hand, some couples may wish their relationship to be legally recognized in a civil union. Same-sex couples and heterosexual couples have the option to protect their legal rights in a relationship, by either civil union or by creating a domestic partnership agreement. Both offer many of the same benefits that a marriage can.
At the law firm of Beck & Houlihan, P.C. located in Wheaton, Illinois, our attorneys offer a variety of family law services throughout DuPage, Cook, Kane and Will Counties. We provide supportive legal counsel to our clients interested in protecting their rights in a relationship.
To learn more about our family law practice and how we can best address your legal needs, contact Beck & Houlihan, P.C. today. Call (630) 933-9220, or email us to arrange a consultation.
Illinois Civil Union Protections
As of June 1, 2011, same-sex couples may enter into a civil union and receive state rights and protections under law. Although civil unions are not recognized by the federal government, it does allow couples to have access to nearly 650 benefits that are offered to spouses in Illinois.
According to the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act (Senate Bill 1716), all couples in a committed relationship, joined by civil union, will have the following rights:
- Equal State Tax Treatment (including equal tax at the local level)
- Hospital Visitation Rights
- Right to Share a Room in a Nursing Home or Hospital
- Right to Receive an Inheritance and Equal Estate Tax Treatment
- Right to Not Testify Against a Spouse
- Access to Spousal Health Care Benefits and Employer-Related Packages (including pension, 401(k) and workers compensation)
- Medical Decision Making Power
Domestic Partnership Agreements
At Beck & Houlihan, P.C. our attorneys can help couples create private contracts that specify how they wish to secure their future in case of separation or the unexpected. We handle matters pertaining to child custody agreements, property division, asset protection, and present our clients with other legal options for their protection in a domestic partnership agreement.
Contact Us to Discuss Your Concerns
Contact Beck & Houlihan, P.C. to learn more about your rights and obligations in a civil union and domestic partnership agreement. Call (630) 933-9220, or email us to set an appointment.
