Title: Domestic Partner Benefits in the State of Illinois | Law for Families
Headings: Domestic Partner Benefits in the State of Illinois
Domestic Partner Benefits in the State of Illinois
Domestic Partnership in Illinois
State Vs. Federal Benefits
Civil Union Employment Benefits
Civil Union Tax Benefits
Civil Union Death Benefits

Content: Civil Union Tax Benefits
Because civil unions are not recognized under federal law, partners to a civil union are not allowed to file joint federal income tax returns. Additionally, they cannot claim the tax breaks or protections given to married spouses. However, civil union partners have the same right to file joint state income tax returns in Illinois as married spouses. Civil Union Death Benefits
If you die without a will and you do not have any children, your civil union partner inherits all of your possessions. If you do have children, your partner inherits half of your possessions and the other half gets divided among your children. If you die with a will, your civil union partner has the right to renounce what you leave him in your will and, instead, is entitled to half of your estate if you have no children. If you have children, your partner can renounce what you leave him in your will and he is entitled to one-third of your estate. Your civil union partner also has a right to certain financial protection while your estate is being settled after your death. He is entitled to a portion of the assets of your estate that an Illinois court deems as a reasonable amount to support him during the first nine months after your death. If you and your civil union partner have children, the court will include additional money to allow your partner to support your children while your estate is being settled for up to nine months after your death.