What rights can unmarried couples receive?

if you are a straight couple that has been together for years but have not married, and you share children, what benefits can you be given. if these benefits are given to those with civil unions, isn't it wrong to not grant these rights to straight committed unmarried couples?What rights can unmarried couples receive?
If you are a straight couple that is truly committed, why don't you just get married? That will give you all the benefits of other married couples, and there is no legislation preventing you from the rights %26amp; privileges of marriage. You sound like you're whining.What rights can unmarried couples receive?
it used to be that way a hundred years ago when the nearest preacher or court was a hundred miles away and it was a hardship for many to be married. Then it was called common law marriage. Nowadays, the altar or court is usually right around the corner..and if 2 people want to marry it's much easier.





So if you want rights...you need to exercise them.
none only the children have rights if one of the parents passes away and most states don't recognize common law marriages.





hope this helps*
States Permitting Common Law Marriage


Alabama


Colorado


District of Columbia


Iowa


Kansas


Montana


Oklahoma


Rhode Island


South Carolina


Texas


Utah


States Permitting Certain Common Law Marriages


Georgia (if the elements were satisfied before January 1, 1997)


Idaho (if the elements were satisfied before January 1, 1996)


New Hampshire (for inheritance only)


Ohio (if the elements were satisfied before October 10, 1991)


Pennsylvania (if the elements were satisfied before January 1, 2005)


In states which don't allow common law marriage, an unusual situation can arise - a couple which underwent what they thought was a valid, state-authorized marriage can find that their marriage was invalid. For example, a divorce may not be properly finalized before a subsequent marriage occurs, rendering that later marriage invalid. Usually, once the problem has been remedied, states will provide a remedy to correct the invalid marriage. For example, some states permit a secret wedding ceremony to be performed by a judge, with a backdated order of marriage, such that the marriage becomes valid from its inception and the rights of the spouses are protected.






Depends in which state.





Check it out
Civil unions are for people who are not legally allowed to get married. If you are a heterosexual couple, marriage is an option, why should you be granted rights just because you don't want to get married?