New Jersey Same-Sex Unions

The Court in Lewis v. Harris and the legislature helped ensure that same-sex couples in the State of New Jersey are guaranteed the same rights, benefits and obligations as married couples.

In those instances when civil union partners end their relationships, I am here to advise what effect that will have on them just as any other married couple, including:

• Liability for the other partner's debts
• The obligation to provide support for the other partner, both during the civil union and after it is terminated
• Limitations on who will inherit, and the tax consequences associated with a partners passing
• Limitations on unilateral decisions about property

For those individuals thinking about entering into a civil union, I offer pre-nuptial agreements, assistance with adoptions and estate planning.  I pride myself on staying current with issues respecting same-sex couples, as they relate to their family, as well as their rights as they grow nationally.  Currently, there are different rights afforded same-sex couples in New Jersey as compared to those afforded by the federal government.  Please contact me to discuss how these differences may affect you. 

Division of Assets

Again, civil union partners have virtually the same rights and obligations in New Jersey as their traditional-marriage counterparts, including the equitable distribution of assests and the distributing and sharing of public pension and State health benefits.  A knowledgeable lawyer can be helpful in this area to ensure that these assets are properly distributed, taking into consideration the consequences associated with the fact that the federal government does not recognize such unions. 

As a civil union attorney, I can help you clarify issues under New Jersey's civil union law, as well as explain the distinction between those rights afforded under a Civil Union as compared to a Domestic Partnership.  For additional information about your legal rights in New Jersey same-sex unions, please contact me.

Stephanie Cañas Hunnell
801 Twelfth Avenue
Belmar, NJ 07719
phone: 732-749-3500
fax: 732-749-3503

The Stephanie Cañas Hunnell law firm represents clients throughout New Jersey including: Belmar, Asbury Park, Avon by the Sea, Bordentown, Brick, Brunswick, Camden, Eatontown, Freehold, Jackson, Hazlet, Howell, Lakewood, Lawrenceville, Little Silver, Long Beach Island, Long Branch,  Manalapan, Millstone, Mount Holly, Neptune, Ocean, Oakhurst, Point Pleasant, Princeton, Red Bank, Sea Girt, Spring Lake, Trenton, Toms River, Wall, Woodbridge and Burlington county, Mercer county, Middlesex county, Monmouth county and Ocean county.