Civil Unions

Civil union lawyer in Milanfrom formation to dissolution.

A civil union has almost all the effects of marriage, but it is not marriage: some differences matter, and they show up mostly when it ends. We guide you through all three stages.

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Three moments, three routes

Forming it, living it, dissolving it: each stage has its own rules, and the third is where the differences weigh most.

«We want to form a union and don't know what to choose»

Forming the union and choosing the regime

The union is formed before a registrar with two witnesses. The step almost everyone underestimates is the choice of property regime: without a declaration to the contrary, community of property applies, and from that moment almost everything you acquire belongs to both of you.

Separation of property is chosen at that moment or later, before a notary. Neither is better in the abstract: it depends on who earns what, who runs their own business, what you already own. It is worth discussing beforehand, because changing it later costs more.

ii.

«The union is over and we want it done quickly»

Rights during the union

On almost everything, parity with marriage is complete: mutual support and contribution, the same inheritance rights, survivor's pension, employment leave, succession to a tenancy. A shared surname can be added to or placed before your own.

Two things stay outside: the duty of fidelity, which the law does not impose, and adoption, which remains excluded except for adoption of a partner's child, allowed by the courts case by case. These are the two differences worth knowing about in advance, not afterwards.

iii.

«We disagree about assets or the home»

Dissolution and financial consequences

Here the difference from marriage is sharp, and in your favour: no separation is required. You simply declare to the registrar your intention to dissolve the union, and after three months you apply — by agreement, through assisted negotiation, or before a judge if you cannot agree.

On maintenance the divorce rules apply: income, the length of the union and the contribution each of you made are all considered. What remains to settle is the home, jointly owned assets and, where a partner's child was adopted, the arrangements for that child.

Not sure which of these fits your case?

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How it works

Five steps, no surprises

Knowing what happens next is the first thing we take off your mind.

First consultation

You tell us the situation. We listen, we ask questions, we tell you straight away what we see.

ii.

Reviewing your case

We examine documents, income, timing and room for manoeuvre. No promises we can't keep.

iii.

Strategy

We decide the route together: agreement, assisted negotiation or court.

iv.

Written quote

Before any instruction you get in writing what we'll do and what it costs.

Representation

We stay with you to the end, and afterwards too, if the terms need revisiting.

Our clients

“A lawyer who knows how to listen, very professional. Extremely well prepared. She pointed us in the best direction for our situation. We recommend her without hesitation.”

Marco Bertolin, April 2026 · Google review

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Frequently asked

On civil unions

General guidance only. We look at your case at the first consultation.

What differences remain between a civil union and marriage?

Three above all: there is no duty of fidelity, full adoption is not available, and you do not need to separate before dissolving the union. On everything else — property, inheritance, survivor's pension, support, surname — parity is essentially complete. In practice the third difference works in your favour.

How long does dissolving a civil union take?

Far less than a marriage, because the separation stage is skipped. You declare your intention to the registrar, wait three months, then apply. If you agree on everything it closes quickly; where questions about assets or the home remain open, it takes as long as a divorce.

Do we need a lawyer to dissolve the union?

In assisted negotiation you need one each, and that is a safeguard: each of you must be advised by someone answerable only to you. Before the court, where you agree, a single lawyer is permitted. Where interests diverge, though, we always advise against it.

Is maintenance payable after dissolution?

It can be, on the same criteria as divorce: both incomes, the length of the union, and the contribution each made to your shared life and to the other's career. It is not automatic and it is not a percentage: it depends on the actual imbalance between your positions.

If my partner dies, do I inherit as a spouse would?

Yes. On inheritance, parity is complete: you are a protected heir exactly as a spouse is, with the same shares and the same safeguards against a will that cuts across them. You are also entitled to the survivor's pension and to unpaid severance entitlements.

Which property regime should we choose?

It depends on you; there is no answer that fits everyone. Community tends to protect whoever earns less or has focused on the home; separation protects whoever runs a business or already holds assets. Where your positions differ markedly, it is usually worth discussing before signing, not after.

Can we adopt a child?

Full adoption remains excluded. Adoption of a partner's child is permitted, but assessed case by case by the courts: it is the route by which a legal bond is established with a child already part of the family. It is not automatic and needs to be prepared carefully.

Can we take a shared surname?

Yes. When the union is formed you can declare that you wish to take a shared surname, choosing one of yours; the partner who does not carry it may place it before or after their own. It is a choice made at that moment and it lasts for the duration of the union.

From the journal

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Tell us what's happening. We reply within 24 hours on working days and arrange a first consultation, with a clear quote before we begin.

The firm does not undertake legal aid work.