HAWAII CIVIL UNIONS > Facts About Civil Unions in Hawaii > When might a couple be advised NOT to 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.
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● If they wish to adopt from a state or country that may not approve adoptions by lesbians, gay men,
same-sex couples or unmarried different-sex couples;
● If either depends on public assistance;
● If either is a foreign national without permanent legal status in the U.S.;
● If either or both do not want the state law rights and mutual responsibilities the new law will provide civil
union partners, or are concerned about the open questions about how state law will interact with federal
laws that do not recognize same-sex couples or unmarried different-sex couples.
