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Term Definition Civil Union - a legally recognized relationship between two men or two women, but not a marriage, established in Vermont and Connecticut.
Application in Divorce A civil union, which may be certified or performed by a member of the clergy or a state official, carries the same benefits as marriage.

American society is still coming to terms with sexual diversity. Like same sex marriage, the question will doubtlessly end before the Supreme Court in one form or another.

If same sex marriage becomes more popular and widely accepted throughout the United States, the family law arena and the domestic relations courts will go through some significant restructuring. This pertains specifically to standardized forms and procedures that now apply to traditional couples.

See Same-Sex Marriage.