Domestic Partnership Law

Domestic partnership law applies to relationships between two adults, whether they are of the same sex or are of opposite sexes.  The process allows committed adults that are not married to anyone else, to have recognizable rights within their relationship without getting married.  Domestic partnerships and civil unions have been alternatives to traditional marriage for same-sex couples, especially in states that did not recognize same-sex marriage.

Civil unions are recognized by individual states, and many benefits afforded to you here in Illinois do not transfer to other states or on the federal level. Domestic partnerships can also be recognized on the state level but go even further with specific cities acknowledging domestic partnerships such as Chicago and San Francisco.

Dedicated Counsel to help you to understand your Legal Rights under Chicago’s Domestic Partnership Law

Same-sex marriage is legal in the State of Illinois.  The United States Supreme Court ruled in 2015 that all states in the nation must recognize a same-sex marriage from any state. This also means same-sex married couples are provided the same benefits and rights as opposite-sex married couples.  Since the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling, many same-sex couples have elected to transition their civil unions further into legal marriage since it is now recognized at the federal level. Other couples prefer to maintain their civil union or domestic partnership. These relationship designations are still legally available to any couple, same-sex, LGBT, transgender or heterosexual couples that meet the requirements to qualify for domestic partnership status.

If you are involved in a committed domestic relationship, it will be well worth your time to speak with a knowledgeable domestic partnership lawyer who can explain your rights and obligations available under the domestic partnership law in Illinois.

Benefits of Domestic Partnership Law in Illinois

When a couple decides to make their relationship official under the domestic partnership laws, they are afforded several benefits. The Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act, states that couples in a domestic partnership are afforded the same legal rights and responsibilities as any married couple.  Which means they can obtain health insurance through their spouse’s employer, they can make medical decisions, have survivorship rights and all other rights and obligations available in a marriage. Some corporations and companies also provide benefits to domestic partners.

Chicago Domestic Partnership Lawyer

Because every situation is unique, and you have your own specific questions, it is beneficial to consult with a domestic partnership lawyer who has knowledge of your particular rights and obligations under Chicago’s domestic partnership law.