Marriage vs. Civil Unions

I'm preaching to the choir here, but this is good information to know. Civil unions are different from marriages - and here's how:

Legal Status, Recognition, Portability of Rights Not valid outside of the state that grants it. No federal protections. Legal structure to dissolve partnership not guaranteed outside of state. May be dissolved without court ruling under some circumstances.

Social Recognition
Not universally understood because benefits vary widely by jurisdiction. Without common understanding of their meaning, domestic partnerships don't provide the same kind of honor and respect that marriages do.

Medical Decisions, Emergencies
Partner's right to visitation and medical decision making may not be recognized out of state.

Partner's right to visitation and medical decision making
Partners may feel unsure of legal protection, and at the mercy of political whims of elected officials.

Tax Benefits
Large gift transfers and inheritance transactions subject to federal taxes. Federal tax returns filed separately.

Retirement, Leave, and other Family Benefits
Do not receive Social Security, veteran's benefits and pension plan survivor benefits upon death of partner. Not guaranteed equal benefits from employers. Excluded from long-term care benefits. Not guaranteed family leave to care for ill partner.

Spousal and Child Support
Outside of state, partners have no legal obligation to support their partner.

Immigration
No benefits for couples in bi-national relationships.

Common Residence
Must share common residence.

Name Changes
Not allowed without court order.

Privacy
Maintained by the state with a central, public and easily-searchable database.

The more information we have, the better. Via Let California Ring.