Couples applying for legal civil unions must meet many of the same requirements as couples applying for marriage. Learn how each state governs the rights and requirements of civil unions.
In most states that allow them, civil unions are permitted only when each partner reaches the age of majority, which is usually 18 years old. Some states may allow civil unions at an earlier age with parental consent.
In New Jersey, for example, an individual can enter a civil union at age 16 with parental consent, and younger than 16 years old with parental consent and written approval by a judge. Otherwise, you must be at least 18 years old.
In order to be considered legal, civil unions can only take place between single partners. If one partner is married, in a domestic partnership, civil partnership or other recognized legal relationship--even in another country or state--a civil union subsequently entered into isn't legal. Whether a civil union affects the legality of a later marriage in a state that doesn't recognize civil unions depends upon the laws of that state.
In most states, civil unions are available only to same-sex partners. In others, however, heterosexual couples may be eligible for civil unions and other types of domestic partnership status.
Some states have a civil union residency requirement, such as in New Jersey. Other states, like Connecticut, have no residency requirement to issue a civil union license to same-sex couples.
As is the case with marriage, some states maintain mandatory waiting periods between issuance of a civil union license and the legal civil union ceremony. Check the waiting period laws of your state and plan your civil union ceremony accordingly.