Dissolve a Civil Union

Even though civil union is not marriage in the strictest sense, it can be complicated to extricate yourself from if the relationship sours or ends. Here are some tips than can speed up the "divorce" procedure.

Steps

 * 1) Know the law in your state and jurisdiction. The list of jurisdictions allowing same-sex unions are the District of Columbia, Maine, New Jersey, Washington State, Hawaii(which they call "Reciprocal Beneficiary Relationships"ation. Try to reopen these as individual accounts, but regardless of whether your are able to or not, keep the records showing that you have either closed the joint account (clearly showing the date) or are in the process. If your ex-spouse handles a joint account irresponsibly, your credit record may suffer.
 * When you file for divorce the division of property will be determined by the laws of your state. If you are in an equitable distribution state, then property that is not in both names will be divided by number of years of the marriage, and what each has contributed. In a community property state it is divided 50 - 50.
 * When you are served with a motion for divorce, you must get a lawyer. Do not think that if you do not answer these papers or cooperate that your spouse will not be able to divorce you. In fact, your spouse may be able to not only get a divorce, but everything that they ask for. Find a lawyer of your own and counterfile.
 * Don't default on the court appearances - you will be sorry in the future. You may be tempted to say, "I don't care.  Let him/her have everything."  Don't give in to this.  Suck up your feelings and regrets and pain and anger, and whatever else you are carrying due to the breakup, and get yourself to court so that your ex doesn't wind up getting everything by default.  You'll be glad you did when you're able to think more clearly.

Warnings

 * When your divorce is final and assets have been legally divided, change names on house deeds, stocks and bonds, and car titles, as necessary. Change beneficiaries on investments, retirement plans, life insurance policies, and savings accounts. Update your will. Check your credit report to make sure your ex-spouse hasn't incurred debts in your name since your divorce or separation.

Things You'll Need

 * Family Attorney
 * Divorce Certificate

Related

 * How to Hire a Divorce Lawyer
 * How to Tell Your Kids You're Getting a Divorce
 * How to Tell Your Husband You Want a Divorce
 * How to Handle Divorce Anger

Sources and Citations

 * http://www.narth.com/docs/okays.html
 * http://www.alliancedefensefund.org/news/story.aspx?cid=3283
 * http://www.boston.com/news/globe/ideas/articles/2006/01/29/the_gay_divorcees/
 * http://www.alliancedefensefund.org/news/pressrelease.aspx?cid=3283
 * http://www.alliancedefensefund.org/news/pressrelease.aspx?cid=4013
 * http://www.alliancedefensefund.org/news/pressrelease.aspx?cid=3513