Lombard, IL Civil Union Attorneys

Dedicated Lawyers for Establishing Domestic Partnerships in Lombard, Illinois

In today's society, there are various legal issues affecting same-sex couples and people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ+). Fortunately, while people in these categories may have experienced discrimination in the past, they have gained certain rights and protections, including the right to marry. However, there are still a variety of legal concerns that may affect LGBTQ+ couples or parents, and the assistance of an experienced attorney can be invaluable when addressing these issues.

At A. Traub & Associates, we understand how the laws apply to our clients, and we can provide strong representation when dealing with family law concerns. Whether helping couples put agreements in place that will enforce their rights as married spouses or domestic partners or ensuring that LGBTQ+ parents can resolve concerns related to their children, we will advise our clients of their rights under the law while working to find solutions that will benefit their families.

Representation for Civil Unions and Domestic Partnerships

Illinois legalized same-sex marriage in 2014, and the rest of the United States followed in 2015 after a Supreme Court decision. Homosexual couples have the same rights as every other couple when it comes to marriage and divorce. However, some couples, including same-sex or opposite sex partners, may prefer to remain unmarried, choosing instead to unite through a civil union. Although civil unions offer similar advantages to those found in a traditional marriage, they may not be recognized in all states or by the federal government.

For couples who decide to formalize their relationship without getting married, a civil union can provide important legal rights, such as:

• The right of one partner to make medical decisions on behalf of the other partner if he/she becomes incapacitated.
• The right to jointly file state income tax returns.
• The right of one partner to have medical coverage under a partner's health insurance policy.
• Certain survivorship rights in the event of the death of a partner.

Before entering into a civil union, it is important to consult with a knowledgeable attorney to discuss the full extent of the benefits offered and any additional planning that may be necessary. Our lawyers can provide guidance on exactly what rights a civil union will bestow and how this will affect a couple's relationship. If necessary, we can help couples take steps to dissolve a civil union, which is similar to a divorce.

Domestic Partnership Agreements

Fortunately for same-sex couples, a court ruling in 2013 found that the Federal Defense of Marriage Act was unconstitutional. This law would have prohibited same-sex couples from receiving federal benefits that are typically available to opposite-sex married couples. To address these restrictions, it used to be beneficial for same-sex couples to enter into a domestic partnership agreement to help protect their relationships and to minimize potential tax liabilities.

As with civil unions, some same-sex couples may choose not to get married, and they may decide to enact a domestic partnership agreement instead. Doing so can protect certain property rights, and couples may also use agreements to address concerns related to adoption or custody of shared children. At A. Traub & Associates, we have years of experience helping LGBTQ+ couples and parents address concerns related to domestic partnership, and we can provide guidance on the best steps these couples can take to protect their rights and resolve disputes.

Contact Our Lombard, Illinois Civil Union and Domestic Partnership Lawyers

The attorneys at A. Traub & Associates can help you put an agreement in place to detail how you and your partner will handle family law issues. We can assist with concerns involving child custody and child support, estate planning, and other issues. We can also provide representation in the event that your relationship comes to an end, helping you protect your rights and interests as you divide your property and determine how custody of your children will be handled.

Contact our firm by calling 630-426-0196 to speak with an experienced family law attorney. Our attorneys are here to provide you with supportive legal guidance to suit your specific needs.