I know that some European countries like Germany and Netherlands offer legal civil unions (which are basically marriages, but without the religious aspect). Does America offer such type of civil unions? And if yes, does it have the same legal aspects as that of marriage?
For instance, if I had a steady girlfriend whom I wanted to spend the rest of my life with - we could opt for the civil union instead of marriage, and I will be able to get green card (same would happen, if I married her)?
2007-03-23 08:33:23 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Simply put, yes you can get a heterosexual civil union without a religious ceremony in the U.S. or Canada. (Not sure about Mexico.) It can be as simple as signing a few documents. This however will NOT guarantee a green card in the U.S. May have better luck in Canada.
2007-03-24 12:15:39 · answer #1 · answered by acadia1879 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, basically a civil union is the same as if you went before a justice of the peace and were married.
Civil ceremonies also include those performed by a captain of a ship or an Elvis impersonator in Vegas.
They are non religious in nature but by a person who has the power vested under civil law.
As for the commitment, that's up to you . . . plenty of heterosexual couples who opt for a religious ceremony don't last 6 mos. - an aside to the first answerer
2007-03-23 08:52:44 · answer #2 · answered by SWMynx 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In New Jersey, the civil union law allows for two heterosexuals to enter into a civil union over the age of 65. Younger people just have to get married.
2007-03-23 09:16:25 · answer #3 · answered by Tara P 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. You've got to commit.
2007-03-23 08:40:37 · answer #4 · answered by Ben H 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋