HAWAII CIVIL UNIONS > Facts About Civil Unions in Hawaii > How do couples enter a civil union?
Please note: This provides general information, not legal advice. Entering a civil union will be a major step because the law provides all spousal rights and obligations under Hawaii law to civil union partners. Yet, you may still need wills, powers of attorney, second parent adoptions, and other legal documents to protect you, especially when traveling. You should consult an attorney about your needs. Long-term couples and those with significant property especially should get advice about possible tax consequences and ways to protect pre-civil union property.
Downloadable PDF Hawaii Civil Union Guide
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The Department of Health will make available an online registration system after midnight on January 1, 2012.
The agency has also prepared an information page with detailed guidelines on how to obtain your license. To
view this site, visit. Couples must obtain a license from an authorized civil union agent. The online application system should provide applicants with a list of registered agents. Within 30 days after the license is issued, a judge, retired judge or clergy person must solemnize the couple’s union.
Note: If a same-sex couple registered as reciprocal beneficiaries wishes to enter a Hawaii civil union, or to have an out-of-state union recognized as a civil union in Hawaii, they must first terminate their Hawaii reciprocal
beneficiary relationship. If the termination occurred within 30 days of applying for a civil union license, proof
of termination must be presented to an authorized civil union agent.
