CIVIL UNION LAWYERS
IN COLORADO
Modern Family Law's civil union attorneys in Colorado specialize in assisting couples who wish to enter into a civil union. A civil union is a legal relationship recognized by the state of Colorado that provides many of the same rights and responsibilities as marriage, including inheritance rights, hospital visitation rights, and the ability to make medical decisions for one's partner.
provide legal guidance and representation in all aspects of the civil union process, from drafting and negotiating pre-civil union agreements to the dissolution of the union. They can also assist with adoption and parenting issues, as well as any other legal issues that may arise during the course of the civil union. Learn about civil unions in Colorado below including:
Our experienced Colorado civil union attorneys want to help you take control of your family's future. They are here to guide you through the civil union process. If you are considering entering into a civil union in Colorado, consulting with a civil union attorney can be a crucial step in achieving your goals of legal recognition and protection for your relationship.
WHAT ARE CIVIL UNIONS
IN COLORADO?
In Colorado, civil unions are a legal relationship that provides many of the same rights and responsibilities as marriage. Civil unions were established in Colorado in 2013, following the passage of a state law allowing same-sex couples to enter into legally recognized unions.
A civil union in Colorado allows two people who are at least 18 years old to enter into a legal partnership that is similar to marriage. Couples in a civil union have many of the same legal rights and responsibilities as married couples, including:
- The ability to make medical decisions for their partner.
- The right to inherit property from their partner.
- The right to make end-of-life decisions for their partner.
- The ability to obtain insurance and other benefits through their partner’s employer.
Couples in a civil union also have the ability to dissolve their union through a legal process that is similar to divorce. It's important to note that while civil unions in Colorado provide many of the same legal protections as marriage, they are not the same as marriage.
WHAT ARE THE PROTECTIONS & BENEFITS
OF A COLORADO CIVIL UNION?
Entering into a civil union in Colorado provides a number of legal protections and benefits for the two partners involved. Some of the key protections and benefits of a Colorado civil union include:
1. Property Rights: Couples in a civil union have the same rights as married couples when it comes to inheriting property from their partner. They also have the ability to own property together.
2. Medical Decision Making: Partners in a civil union have the right to make medical decisions for each other, including end-of-life decisions.
3. Health Care Benefits: Partners in a civil union may be eligible to receive health care benefits through their partner’s employer.
4. Insurance Benefits: Partners in a civil union may be eligible for benefits such as life insurance and disability insurance through their partner’s employer.
5. Family Leave: Partners in a civil union may be eligible to take family leaves to care for their partner under certain circumstances.
6. Parental Rights: Partners in a civil union may have legal rights to any children they have together.
7. Dissolution Rights: If a civil union ends, partners have the right to dissolve the union through a legal process that is similar to divorce.
It's important to note that while civil unions in Colorado provide many of the same legal protections as marriage, they are not the same as marriage. For example, couples in a civil union do not have federal marriage-related benefits, such as the ability to file joint federal income tax returns or receive Social Security spousal benefits.
HOW DO YOU DISSOLVE
A COLORADO CIVIL UNION?
Before the introduction of civil union legislation, there was no established process or predictable outcome for the termination of a long-term relationship or domestic partnership. However, with the implementation of civil union laws, legal procedures for dissolving the union now fall under domestic relations laws.
This means that the same responsibilities and family law proceedings applicable to divorce cases between married couples, such as legal separation and dissolution, child custody and parenting time, child support and alimony, equitable property division, and attorney fees, also apply to the dissolution of a civil union. These proceedings may also be accessible to parties in Colorado even if their civil union was formalized in another location.
We understand that terminating a civil union can be just as intricate and emotional as a divorce. Our attorneys are here to guide and counsel you on your legal rights and obligations, as well as the appropriate procedures for concluding a civil union in Colorado.
“The District Court has jurisdiction over all proceedings relating to the dissolution of a civil union regardless of the jurisdiction where the civil union was entered into. The court shall follow the procedures specified in this title, including the same domicile requirements for a dissolution, legal separation, or declaration of invalidity for such proceedings.
A proceeding relating to the dissolution of a civil union may be held in the county where the petitioner or respondent resides or where the parties’ civil union certificate was issued; except that process may be directed to any county in the state. A respomdent’s objection to venue is waived if not made within such time as the respondent’s response is due.“
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CIVIL UNIONS IN COLORADO
What If I Want To Merge My Civil Union Into A Marriage in Colorado?
In Colorado, if you are in a civil union and wish to convert it to a marriage, you may do so by completing a simple application and paying a fee at a County Clerk and Recorder’s office. The process is called “conversion” or “validation” of the civil union, and it allows the couple to legally convert their civil union to marriage without having to go through a separate marriage ceremony.
To convert a civil union to marriage in Colorado, both partners must appear in person at the County Clerk and Recorder’s office and provide identification. They will then complete the application for a marriage license and pay the required fee. After the application is processed and the license is issued, the couple can have the marriage solemnized by an authorized officiant within 35 days.
It’s important to note that once a civil union has been converted to a marriage, it cannot be reversed or converted back to a civil union.
How Do I Enter Into A Civil Union In Colorado?
In Colorado, couples who wish to enter into a civil union must follow these steps:
1. Obtain a civil union license: Both partners must appear in person at a County Clerk and Recorder’s office to obtain a civil union license. They must provide identification and pay the required fee. The license is valid for 35 days.
2. Solemnize the civil union: The couple must have the civil union solemnized by an authorized officiant within the 35-day period. Authorized officiants include judges, retired judges, magistrates, and clergy members who have been ordained or designated by a religious institution to perform civil unions.
3. Obtain a civil union certificate: After the civil union has been solemnized, the officiant must complete and return the civil union certificate to the County Clerk and Recorder’s office where the license was obtained. The couple may then obtain a copy of the certificate for their records.
It’s important to note that Colorado law does not require witnesses for a civil union, but the couple may choose to have witnesses present if they wish.
What If I Entered A Civil Union In Another State?
Colorado recognizes civil unions that were legally established in other states or jurisdictions. This means that if you have a civil union from another state, it will be recognized as a legal relationship in Colorado.
It’s important to note that the legal rights and responsibilities of a civil union in Colorado may be different from those in the state or country where the civil union was established. For example, Colorado law provides specific provisions for the dissolution of a civil union, which may differ from the dissolution procedures in the state where the civil union was established.
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