Delaware § 212 - Rights, benefits, protections and responsibilities of parties to a civil union.
Full text of Delaware Delaware Code § 212 — Rights, benefits, protections and responsibilities of parties to a civil union., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 212. Rights, benefits, protections and responsibilities of parties to a civil union.
(a) Parties to a civil union lawfully entered into or otherwise recognized pursuant to this chapter shall have all the same rights, protections and benefits, and shall be subject to the same responsibilities, obligations and duties under the laws of this State, whether derived from statutes, administrative rules or regulations, court rules, governmental policies, common law, court decisions, or any other provisions or sources of law, including in equity, as are granted to, enjoyed by or imposed upon married spouses.
(b) Former parties to a civil union lawfully entered into or otherwise recognized pursuant to this chapter shall have the same rights, protections and benefits, and shall be subject to the same responsibilities, obligations and duties under the laws of this State, whether derived from statutes, administrative rules or regulations, court rules, governmental policies, common law, court decisions, or any other provisions or sources of law, including in equity, as are granted to, enjoyed by or imposed upon former married spouses.
(c) A surviving party to a civil union lawfully entered into or otherwise recognized pursuant to this chapter, following the death of the other party to the civil union, shall have the same rights, protections and benefits, and shall be subject to the same responsibilities, obligations and duties under the laws of this State, whether derived from statutes, administrative rules or regulations, court rules, governmental policies, common law, court decisions, or any other provisions or sources of law, including in equity, as are granted to, enjoyed by or imposed upon a widow or widower.
(d) To the extent that provisions of the laws of this State, whether derived from statutes, administrative rules or regulations, court rules, governmental policies, common law, court decisions, or any other provisions or sources of law, including in equity, adopt, refer to, or rely upon in any manner, provisions of United States federal law that would have the effect of parties to a civil union being treated differently than married spouses, parties to a civil union shall be treated in all respects by the laws of this State as if United States federal law recognizes a civil union in the same manner as the laws of this State.
78 Del. Laws, c. 22, § 1; 70 Del. Laws, c. 186, § 1;Source: official Delaware text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Delaware § 212
What does Delaware Code § 212 cover?
Section 212 ("Rights, benefits, protections and responsibilities of parties to a civil union.") is part of the Delaware Code, the codified statutory law of Delaware. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Delaware § 212?
A common citation format is "Delaware Code § 212" (Delaware). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Delaware law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Delaware official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Delaware attorney.
How does Delaware § 212 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Delaware can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Delaware.