Chapter 103, P.L. 2006, the Civil Union Law, establishes civil unions for same-sex couples in the State of New Jersey. The law also extends public pension, State Health Benefits Program (SHBP), and School Employees' Health Benefits Program (SEHBP) benefits to same-sex civil union partners of State employees, Local Government and Educational employees, and retirees of these employers in the same manner as those benefits are available to an employee's or retiree's spouse. This law became effective on February 19, 2007.

While the Civil Union Law created a new status for same-sex couples within the State of New Jersey, the law is not intended to replace or terminate existing same-sex domestic partnership relationships established under the Domestic Partnership Act (Chapter 246, P.L. 2003).

 The Federal Government and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) do not recognize a civil union partner as a dependent for tax purposes.

Therefore, your employer may have to treat a civil union partner's health benefit as a taxable fringe benefit and withhold federal income, Social Security, and Medicare taxes on the value of the premiums paid.

Attorneys for Civil Union/Domestic Partnership Dissolution

Generally speaking, dissolving a civil union is very similar to divorce in that domestic partners must come to an agreement on matters such as child custody and visitation, property division, and support before the dissolution can be granted. This area of law is going through significant changes and continues to evolve. Mr. Glen Haley is an attorney experienced in divorce law and can translate that experience to civil union dissolution to help you.

At the Law Office of Rafael Gomez, Mr. Glen Haley works closely with the firm as a lawyer who has the skill and experience needed to represent both same-sex couples and "traditional" couples effectively in these and all family law matters. To put his experience and resources to work for you — simply call (201) 646-9799 today for a consultation with an attorney.

What the Law Applies to and What to Expect

Generally, New Jersey's civil union law relates to issues of benefits and decision-making in areas such as:

• Parental relationships
• Property rights
• Spousal support rights
• Child support rights
• Health insurance
• Conservatorships
• Guardianships

As a client, you can expect Mr. Haley working closely with the Law Firm of Rafael Gomez to help you understand the complex federal and state laws regarding these specific rights and benefits and to help you evaluate your options for moving forward with the dissolution. Once you've determined which issues are most important and set your goals, you can rely on the attorney to keep you fully informed throughout the case and to represent your interests as aggressively would be done in any divorce case.

We can handle civil union dissolutions for people throughout Hackensack, Englewood, Teaneck, Fort Lee, Bergenfield, Maywood, Rochelle Park, Clifton, Ridgefield Park, North Bergen, Union City, Lodi, Garfield, Passaic, Paterson, Little Ferry, Paramus, Haledon, Wanaque, Wayne, Ramsey, Ridgewood, Closter, Bogota, Newark, Bloomfield, Belleville, Glen Ridge, Glen Rock, Montclair and other Northern New Jersey communities. To learn more about your rights or how our lawyers can help — call the office directly at (201) 646-9799.