Will County Civil Unions Attorneys

Equitable and Rational Illinois Civil Union Lawyers

There is strength in numbers; we can walk by your side. The Davi Law Group is passionate about protecting families and the rights of individuals in legally-binding relationships. Our firm handles all facets of family law, and we support the rights of those who choose to enter into a civil union in Illinois. Civil unions are legally recognized relationships between same or opposite sex couples that grant access to the same protections and benefits provided to married couples by state law. As laws regarding marriage in the state and throughout the country continue to evolve, our attorneys can help you understand your rights in a civil union and, if appropriate, how to convert such a union to a fully-recognized marriage.

Explaining Rights in a Civil Union to Will County Clients

To enter a civil union, each person must be at least 18 years old, unmarried, not related to the other party, and not engaged in any other civil union or legally-recognized relationship. The Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act states that those in a civil union are entitled to the “same legal obligations, responsibilities, protections, and benefits as are afforded or recognized by the law of Illinois to spouses, whether they derive from statute, administrative rule, policy, common law, or any other source of civil or criminal law.” Couples in a civil union have the right to:

• Establish joint ownership of property; define non civil union property;
• Make decisions about each person's medical care in emergent situations;
• Make decisions about child custody after the dissolution of a civil union;
• File for adoption for any child born into a civil union;
• Assume joint responsibility for debts created during the union; and
• Receive inheritance from your partner without an estate plan in place.

These are just some of the considerations given to civil union couples. Our attorneys can provide an exhaustive list of your rights so that you and your partner can have a full understanding of the best way to structure and protect your desires and goals for the relationship.

Converting a Civil Union to a Marriage

In June 2014, the Illinois Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act equalized the marriage rights of same-sex and opposite sex couples. One year later, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling solidifying marriage equality rights throughout the country. While the passage of the law and the eventual Supreme Court decision had no direct impact on a couple’s right to pursue a civil union, it did create the ability for those in a civil union to seek full marital status. Our team can help you take the necessary steps to convert your civil union to a legal marriage, with all of the applicable rights, responsibilities, and benefits.

Compassionate Joliet, Illinois Civil Union Lawyers

At the Davi Law Group, we listen to our clients’ needs and understand their central beliefs to help us provide services that are spot-on and effective. We are fully are committed to treating our clients with respect and fighting for their rights as if they were our own.

We build relationships with our clients in order to provide them with personalized service every step of the way. We invite you to meet with us for an initial consultation so we can listen to your civil union concerns. Our attorneys will give you an honest assessment of your family law matter and explain our approach at no charge, which has an approximate value of $325.00. Should you retain us as your counsel, financing options are available. If you live in Will County, please contact our firm today to schedule an appointment at our Joliet office.