Civil Unions

Civil Unions - Domestic Partnerships

Morristown, New Jersey, Attorneys

Civil unions between gay and lesbian couples have been legal in New Jersey since February 2007. Although civil unions continue to be an evolving area of the law, there are many things people in same-sex relationships can and should do to protect themselves, their partners, and their children. Because of the Federal Defense of Marriage Act, the federal government and most other states will not legally recognize a New Jersey civil union.

At the Morristown law firm of Broderick, Newmark & Grather, P.C., our family law practice, headed by Attorney Frank Grather, represents people in all matters related to same sex civil unions in New Jersey.

Issues in civil unions

Same sex couples in New Jersey civil unions have the same spousal rights and obligations as married heterosexual couples, with the exception of eligibility for some federal benefits. When these unions dissolve, the process is very similar to that of the divorce of a married heterosexual couple. The firm handles issues for clients throughout, from prenuptial agreements before a civil union to estate planning to civil union dissolution. We help gay and lesbian couples address issues related to civil unions including:

• Partner support obligations
• Inheritance rights
• Property division upon breakup
• Family leave
• Disputes over child custody
• Taxes
• Will contest
• Health Insurance and other benefits
• Pensions and retirement plans
• Court testimony
• Personal injury, wrongful death and worker's compensation awards
• Partner debts
• Adoption of partner's child or children
• Wills and trusts

Handling all legal matters arising from civil unions

The firm advises people planning to enter a civil union about their rights and responsibilities. The attorneys help them develop agreements to protect property acquired before the civil union. The firm both defends against and brings forward cases involving efforts to cancel a prenuptial agreement. We assist couples who wish to adopt their partner's children; this is required if one party wishes to obtain parental rights to the other's children. In everything, the lawyers seek to protect the rights of the client.

Whether you are planning a civil union, are in a domestic partnership and wish to know how the new law applies to your situation, or wish to end a civil union, it is important to secure sound legal advice and representation. To speak with a New Jersey lawyer about any of these matters, contact the Morristown law firm of Broderick, Newmark & Grather, P.C., for a consultation.