A civil union is a legal relationship between two people that provides legal protections at the state level. It is recognized by individual states rather than by federal law, unlike marriage. Civil unions provide many of the same legal protections as marriage, such as estate planning, employment benefits, spousal privilege, and the right to file state taxes jointly. However, they do not provide federal protections, benefits, or responsibilities to couples. Civil unions are similar to domestic partnerships and were initially established to provide protections for same-sex couples in states where marriage was unavailable. While civil unions are recognized in some states, they are not recognized across all states, unlike marriages, which are recognized in every state. The process to terminate a civil union is similar to that of a marriage, involving legal proceedings and the division of assets and shared obligations. Its important to note that laws regarding civil unions can vary widely from state to state, and seeking legal advice is recommended when considering this option.