Civil Union Weddings In Illinois: Understanding The Union

A civil union in Illinois is a legally recognised partnership between two people of the same or opposite sex. Civil unions were created in Illinois in 2011, before same-sex marriage was legalised in the state in 2014. Civil unions are similar to marriages in that they provide couples with the same legal rights as married couples. However, civil unions are not recognised by the federal government, which impacts a couple's finances. Couples in a civil union can file their federal taxes individually and potentially remain in a lower tax bracket, but they will also give up the financial benefits that come with federal recognition of a marriage.

Civil unions in Illinois are available to people of the same sex as well as people of the opposite sex

• Both partners must be 18 years of age or older
• Partners must not be blood relatives

Civil unions in Illinois offer couples the same legal rights as married couples, including the following:

• Parenting time and allocation of parental responsibilities are handled the same as in marriages
• Asset and debt division is treated equitably for partners in a civil union
• Most couples in a civil union can share health insurance coverage

However, it is important to note that civil unions in Illinois are not recognized by the federal government. This means that couples in a civil union will retain the ability to file their federal taxes individually and may remain in a lower tax bracket. As a result, they will also give up the financial benefits that come with federal recognition of a marriage.

The process of obtaining a civil union in Illinois is similar to that of getting married. Couples must apply for a certificate of civil union, wait at least one day for the civil union to be certified, complete the civil union certificate, and file it with the county clerk within 10 days. Any civil union can be converted into a marriage, but not vice versa.

Civil unions in Illinois are not recognised by the federal government

Civil unions were introduced in Illinois in 2011 as a way for same-sex couples to enter into a legally recognised partnership. While civil unions are similar to marriages in Illinois, offering the same legal rights as married couples, they are not recognised by the federal government. This means that couples in civil unions will retain the ability to file their federal taxes individually and potentially remain in a lower tax bracket. However, this also means that they will miss out on the financial benefits that come with federal recognition of marriage.

Civil unions in Illinois are available to people of the same or opposite sex, as long as they are both over the age of 18 and are not blood relatives. Couples wishing to enter into a civil union must obtain a civil union license from the county clerk and pay a fee. The civil union must then be certified by a judge, retired judge, or ordained person, and the license must be returned to the county clerk within a certain timeframe.

While civil unions offer similar legal rights to marriages in Illinois, the lack of federal recognition means that couples in civil unions may face financial disadvantages compared to married couples.

Civil unions in Illinois are dissolved under the Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act

Civil unions in Illinois are dissolved under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. This is the same law that governs the dissolution of marriages in the state.

The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act provides the framework for the dissolution of civil unions, including the grounds for dissolution, the process for filing for dissolution, and the rights and responsibilities of the parties involved.

The Act outlines the procedures for filing for dissolution, including the requirements for residency, the filing of a petition, and the issuance of a judgment. It also addresses the allocation of parental responsibilities, the division of property, and the payment of maintenance or support.

The Act further provides for the protection of the rights and interests of both parties to the civil union, including the equitable division of assets and the resolution of issues related to children, such as custody, visitation, and support.

Overall, the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act serves as a comprehensive guide for the dissolution of civil unions in Illinois, ensuring that the process is fair and equitable for all involved.

Civil unions in Illinois are performed by the same people who perform marriages

Wedding officiants in Illinois are not required to register with any government office prior to performing a marriage or civil union. The Illinois State Government has no laws requiring officiant registration, certification, or licensing. However, the couple getting married or entering into a civil union needs to have confidence in the qualifications of their officiant.

In Illinois, civil unions are available to people of the same sex as well as people of the opposite sex. Civil unions provide couples with the same legal rights as married couples, but they are not recognized by the federal government. This means that civil unions do not affect a couple's federal taxes. Civil unions can be converted into marriages, but not the other way around.

Civil unions in Illinois are available to people aged 18 and over

To obtain a civil union license, couples must appear together at one of the Clerk's locations and present valid identification with proof of age. They must also fill out and sign the civil license application and pay a fee of $60.

Civil unions in Illinois are available to partners of the same or opposite sex. However, 16 or 17-year-olds cannot enter into civil unions, even with parental consent. This is one of the key differences between the requirements for a civil union and a marriage in Illinois.

Civil unions offer couples the same legal rights as married couples within the state. However, civil unions are not recognised by the federal government, which impacts a couple's finances when it comes to filing taxes.

Civil unions can be converted into marriages, but not the other way around. To convert a civil union into a marriage, couples must obtain a marriage license.

Frequently asked questions