Civil Union Lawyers in Central Illinois

Illinois has recently passed legislation that recognizes civil unions for both same-sex and opposite-sex couples. At Benckendorf & Benckendorf, P.C., our Illinois civil union attorneys can let our clients know what this law may mean for them. For couples who either do not have the legal right to marry or who do not want to enter into a traditional marriage, this bill grants them similar rights as those given to married couples. We provide legal services for couples affected by the new law.

Representing Individual's Rights in a Civil Union

The new law affords individual's entering into a domestic partnership many of the same rights afforded to traditionally married couples, including:

• The right to make health care decisions for one's partner
• The right to hospital visitation when visitation is limited to family members
• The right to spousal coverage under employer-based health care plans
• The right to inheritance without estate planning documents

Our dedicated Illinois family law attorneys help domestic partners in many legal matters. Whether a couple needs assistance drafting wills and trusts or advance directives, or whether couples wish to buy real estate together, we can help. In any legal situation, we provide personalized attention and one-on-one service that cannot be matched by large law firms.

Ending a Domestic Partnership

Like any marriage, a domestic partnership may not always last. When this happens, legal issues typically seen in a divorce case may arise, including issues surrounding:

• Child support and its enforcement
• Custody and visitation
• Paternity
• Domestic violence and orders of protection
• Property distribution

For over 30 years, the lawyers at Benckendorf & Benckendorf, P.C., have helped clients confront family law issues with compassion and understanding. We are proud to extend our services to partners in a civil union who may find themselves facing these types of problems. We always keep our clients informed about their case's progress every step of the way.

Call for an Appointment With a Same-Sex Couples Attorney in Illinois

We help domestic partners in a wide variety of legal matters. Contact our Peoria lawyers online or call today to schedule a meeting to discuss your case.