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Same Sex Relationships In New Jersey

In New Jersey, the law recognizes a civil union between two same sex individuals as a legally recognized union. Civil unions in New Jersey receive specific benefits and protections under the law. However, they are subject to the same legal responsibilities of New Jersey married couples.

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Same Sex Relationships

Therefore, when a person in a same sex relationship, whose relationship has been recognized as a civil union, seeks to dissolve their relationship or separate, legal assistance is necessary. Their matter will be treated in the same way as a typical divorce. The Law Office of Joanna D. Brick, Esq. recognizes the importance to provide legal assistance to same sex couples in New Jersey and therefore can provide professional experience for couples of the same sex. If a same sex couple has issues engaging into a civil union or questions about the protection of their rights, Joanna D. Brick, Esq. has the answers.

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Civil Unions Of Same Sex Relationships In New Jersey

Some of the rights that New Jersey offers to couples in a civil union include dual ownership of property, health care benefits, family leave benefits and inheritance rights. There are a number of other benefits and these laws that are continuously updated based upon this evolving recognition of same sex rights. In the unfortunate situation when a person in a civil union seeks to dissolve or terminate their relationship, legal assistance may be needed. It may require assistance regarding distribution of assets, alimony or spousal support, child support, visitation rights, and child custody determination.

Joanna D. Brick, Esq. Advises Same Sex Couples In New Jersey

If you are in same sex relationship in New Jersey and would like to know about your rights and responsibilities, call The Law Office of Joanna D. Brick, Esq. for a consultation. She can explain your rights and the process to engaging or dissolving a civil union in NJ or domestic partnership. Additionally, our office is able to draft a legal pre-nuptial agreement if necessary or represent a partner regarding issues or dissolution of their civil union. Conveniently located in Fair Lawn, NJ, her experience with same sex couples will provide you comfort, trust and confidence that your needs will be addressed and your rights will be protected. If dissolving a civil union, Joanna D. Brick, Esq. ensures satisfaction of her clients and keeps the best interest of the children in mind when applicable.

Seek Legal Assistance Involving Same Sex Relationships

The Law Office of Joanna D. Brick, Esq. has extensive experience in working with same sex relationships in New Jersey, offering quality, personalized, and professional legal services out of its central office in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. We service Northern and Central New Jersey including Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, & Union Counties. 

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Brick Law Firm

We represent and mediate for clients of all asset levels, including high net worth individuals. To learn more about how we can help you, call the Brick Law, LLC, in Bergen County, New Jersey, at 201-254-0881

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Our Trusted Legal Team

Joanna Brick
Attorney
Jeffrey T. Vazquez
Paralegal
Isabela Ruiz
Paralegal

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about same sex in New Jersey, answered by Brick Law, LLC.

Do same-sex couples have the same divorce rights in New Jersey?

Yes. Same-sex spouses have identical rights and obligations in divorce. Equitable distribution, alimony, custody, parenting time and child support are decided under the same statutes and the same standards that apply to any other married couple in New Jersey.

How is length of marriage measured for a couple who had a civil union first?

This is a genuine issue. Many couples were legally partnered well before they could marry, and alimony duration turns heavily on the length of the marriage. Courts are frequently asked to consider the civil union period and the economic partnership that preceded the marriage.

What happens to a New Jersey civil union now?

Civil unions were not automatically converted into marriages. A couple still in a civil union must dissolve it through the court in the same way as a divorce. Some couples hold both a civil union and a later marriage, and both should be addressed expressly.

Does the non-biological parent have parental rights?

Not automatically, and this is the most important issue for same-sex families. A parent who is not biologically related should secure a court judgment — a second-parent or step-parent adoption, or a judgment of parentage — which is recognised in every state.

Why is a birth certificate not enough?

A birth certificate is an administrative record, not a judicial determination of parentage. An adoption or parentage judgment is entitled to full faith and credit across state lines. Families who move, travel or face a medical emergency out of state rely on that difference.

Are assets acquired before marriage but during the relationship divided?

Not ordinarily under equitable distribution, which reaches property acquired during the marriage. Couples who built assets together before they could legally marry may need to pursue contract or joint-ownership theories, which is why documenting contributions at the time matters.

Have a question that is not answered here? Contact Brick Law, LLC or call (201) 254-0881 to speak with a Bergen County family law attorney.

This information is general and about New Jersey law. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case turns on its own facts.

Disclaimer ⚠️

The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.