New Jersey Same-Sex Civil Unions and Domestic Partnerships
A civil union is tantamount to marriage in New Jersey. While a domestic partnership gives gay and lesbian couples some benefits, it does not give them as many benefits as does a civil union or marriage. In the state of New Jersey, domestic partnerships have been superseded by civil unions, which offer the same rights and obligations as those afforded married persons.
Call 888-335-3584 or contact me by e-mail to schedule a free phone consultation or case evaluation. I am dedicated to your rights and the results of your case.
Protect Your Rights, Security, and Future After a Union
The Court in Lewis v. Harris and the legislature helped ensure that same-sex couples in the New Jersey are guaranteed the same rights, benefits and obligations as married couples. I take the time to understand your unique needs involving a range of issues related to domestic partnerships and civil unions, including estate planning, adoptions, nationally and internationally and distribution of property.
For those individuals thinking about entering into a civil union, I pride myself on staying current with issues respecting same-sex couples, as they relate to their family, as well as their legal rights as they grow nationally. Currently, there are different federal rights afforded heterosexual couples than are afforded same-sex couples. As an attorney for civil union partnerships, I can assist you with issues involving:
- Prenuptial agreements
- Estate planning
- Child custody
- Adoptions
Dissolution of Civil unions or Domestic Partnerships
Couples in both types of relationships (civil unions and domestic partnerships) may need an attorney for a dissolution. I understand the differences unique to the dissolution of a civil union and domestic partnership, as compared to a divorce, and provide respectful guidance through the process. In those instances when civil union partners end their relationships, I am here to advise what effect that will have them, including as it relates to:
- Liability for the other partner's debts and the equitable distribution of property
- The obligation to provide support for the other partner, both during the civil union and after it is terminated and how that may affect your income
- Limitations on who will inherit, and the tax consequences associated with a partners passing
- Limitations on unilateral decisions about property
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 assets and the distribution of public and private pensions. 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.
Call my Monmouth County, New Jersey, office at 888-335-3584 today for a free phone consultation or contact me by e-mail to inquire about your case. As your lawyer, I will provide experienced advocacy and sound counsel to protect your rights.
