Illinois Lawyer Now Illinois Courts Bulletin ISBA Case Digests Section Newsletters Bookstore Classified Ads Advertise with ISBA The Magazine of Illinois Lawyers May 2011 • Volume 99 • Number 5 • Page 232 • Print Family Law A Guide to the New Illinois Civil Union Law By Richard A. Wilson Beginning June 1, the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act confers most of the rights of marriage on parties to a civil union. But definitions of "spouse" and "marriage" under federal law impose important limits on the new act, requiring special planning for "civilly unioned" couples. Don't miss the ISBA's upcoming Law Ed programs on Civil Unions! Friday, June 3 " Civil Union Practice Tips " Attend live onsite or via live webcast during CLE Fest Classic - 4 hours MCLE credit Friday, June 17 " A Roadmap to the Illinois Civil Union Act " during the ISBA Annual meeting - 2 hours