Having a life partner means you share everything from experiences to bills
to property. It is a choice you make to last a lifetime with commitment
and love. Typically, marriage solidifies this in the eyes of the state
and gives many benefits for such a commitment like emergency medical decision
making power, health insurance coverage, automatic inheritance, family
emergency and medical leave, state spousal benefits, right to control
remains of spouse and even the right to share a nursing home together
along with over 600 other benefits. All of those are simple things the
state allows married couples to reap. However, marriage is only legal
if it is between a man and woman. Benefits for same-sex couples are not
included because they are not allowed to be married. Next best thing?
A civil union. A civil union recognizes same-sex couples and gives them
access to rights and obligations of a regular marriage. Current law does
not allow same-sex couples to marry, so if civil unions were not in place
so many rights would be denied to same-sex couples. Support for The Illinois
Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act (SB 1716) is being sought
in Illinois for all couples to be able to be in a civil union to have
equal rights and protections. This act will give each religious group
the ability to decide if they want to officiate a civil union or not.
It would also give couples the 650 marriage benefits and would allow either
secular or religious officials to register their unions. If you are in
a civil union and need assistance with benefits of any kind and are up
against glitches,
contact an Illinois family law attorney today to help you.
