A civil union in the state of Illinois is a relationship between two individuals that is recognized legally. People who are in civil unions can be either the opposite sex or the same sex. In addition, both parties in a union must be 18 years old or older.

A civil union is governed by a law that took effect in 2011, called the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act. Sometimes, this legal relationship is called a domestic partnership. These legal relationships provide all of the protections, benefits, rights and interests afforded to married couples under Illinois law.

People who are in civil unions can easily dissolve their civil unions, just as people who have gotten married can choose to get divorced. In fact, dissolving civil unions happens under the law known as the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, with which courts can resolve disputes regarding visitation, property division and child custody. It is essential to work with an attorney who has a solid understanding of federal and state laws and how these laws will impact the dissolution of a civil union.

Just as getting divorced can be financially and emotionally challenging in Illinois, so can dissolving civil unions. This is particularly the case for those with high-value assets or a large number of assets and debts. An attorney can go over your goals with you and help you to achieve an outcome that is ultimately in your best interests when going through the process of the dissolution of a civil union.