NewHampshireJP.com wants to make your civil union as special as it should be. Carl will work with you both in order to understand how you want your ceremony planned and preformed.

A New Hampshire civil union is not a marriage. It is a legal status, parallel to civil marriage at the state law level, in which the parties to the civil union “shall have all the same benefits, protections and responsibilities under New Hampshire law as are granted to spouses in a marriage.” It should also be understood that Civil Unions preformed in New Hampshire may not be recognized outside of New Hampshire.

While civil unions provide access to state-based legal rights, responsibilities and obligations of marriage, other states are not obliged to recognize New Hampshire civil unions. New Hampshire’s civil union law does not grant the 1138 federal rights associated with marriage.

As of January 1, 2008, a person is eligible to enter into a New Hampshire civil union if that person:

1. Is not a party to another civil union or a marriage;

2. Is of the same sex as the other party to the civil union;

3. Is at least 18 years of age;

4. Is not closely related by blood to the other party to the civil union (matching essentially

the same restrictions applicable to marriage).

In order to obtain a New Hampshire Civil Union license both parties must appear in person and complete an application worksheet with the clerk of any city or town in New Hampshire.

You must bring photo identification, proof of age, a copy of the final divorce decree, if either or both parties are divorced and a copy of the death certificate if either or both parties are widowed.

A civil union license in New Hampshire is issued for a civil union ceremony to be performed in any city or town in the State of New Hampshire. The clerk is then required to complete a worksheet of "statistical and legal information" on both parties. When all the forms are completed the city or town clerk prepares the civil union license which is valid for not more than 90 days from the date of filing.

Divorce

To end a NH Civil Union, couple will go through the same process as heterosexual couples. Requirements for dissolving a civil union are:

• Where both parties were domiciled in the state when the action was commenced or

• Where the plaintiff was so domiciled and the defendant was personally served with the process within the state or

• Where the plaintiff was domiciled in the state for one year next preceding the time the action was commenced.

If you have questions about the legal aspect of a civil union please contact legal counsel.