“Parties to a civil union shall have all the same benefits, protections and responsibilities under Vermont law, whether they derive from statute, policy, administrative or court rule, common law or any other source of civil law, as are granted to spouses in a marriage.”
Vermont Act 90
Civil Unions ceremonies became legal in Vermont in July of 2000. Thousands of same sex couples from Vermont and abroad have received civil unions since its inception. While it is relatively easy to be joined in civil union, many couples have questions on how and where to begin.
To qualify for a civil union you must fulfill the following criteria: Neither party may already be married or joined in civil union. Each party must be of sound mind, same gender and not closely related to the other person involved. You and your partner must be over 18 or have the written consent of a legal guardian.
Your first step in the process, for Vermont residents, is a visit to the town clerk of the city in which you or your partner resides. Only one of you need apply, as only one signature is required. Out of state residents may apply to any Vermont town clerk for a license. Within sixty days of licensure, solemnization must be performed. Any official legally able to conduct a wedding in the state of Vermont may also perform a civil union ceremony.
There are no set guidelines as to what must be included in a civil union ceremony. You may want to discuss your ceremony with your officiant. Your religious practices may dictate the content of your ceremony, if you decide to use a clergy member. Your clergy member may have specific religious practices that he/she may want to include in the service. A judge or justice of the peace may want to discuss your ideas for the service or he/she may have a standard service to follow. You may choose an elaborate festival or a small intimate service. You are only limited by your creativity. Your judge, justice of the peace, or clergy is merely there as a legal witness to the union.
To avoid penalization, the officiant must sign and return the license to the town clerk, from which it was issued, within ten days. Your license will be kept on file in the town’s permanent records. A copy will also be issued to the department of health.
Under current civil union laws you will be granted the same benefits, rights and responsibilities as a traditional marriage. This includes but is not limited to: spousal benefits, tax laws and public assistance, child custody laws, and the right to make medical decisions. Any and all laws that apply to a traditional marriage also apply to a civil union.
For more complete information regarding civil unions please visit the official website at:
