Civil Union

A civil union is a legally recognized relationship similar to marriage, providing partners with many of the same rights and responsibilities, such as property rights, healthcare decisions, and inheritance. Unlike marriage, civil unions are often established through a formal legal process and their recognition varies by jurisdiction. They were created to offer couples, particularly same-sex couples prior to marriage equality, a way to formalize their relationship legally. While they confer important legal benefits, civil unions may not be recognized universally or carry the same social or ceremonial significance as marriage.