The following is a list of rights granted under state laws to married couples which would require extensive legal action to duplicate. I am not legally trained and cannot vouch for whether this list is definitive for any state (including Vermont), but this list is representative of rights one would expect to be held by a married couple. State-Granted Legal Marriage Rights Assumption of Spouse's Pension Automatic Inheritance Automatic Housing Lease Transfer Bereavement Leave Burial Determination Child Custody Crime Victim's Recovery Benefits Divorce Protections Domestic Violence Protection Exemption from Property Tax on Partner's Death Immunity from Testifying Against Spouse Insurance Breaks Joint Adoption and Foster Care Joint Bankruptcy Joint Parenting (Insurance Coverage, School Records) Medical Decisions on Behalf of Partner Certain Property Rights Reduced Rate Memberships Sick Leave to Care for Partner Visitation of Partner's Children Visitation of Partner in Hospital or Prison Wrongful Death (Loss of Consort) The above information was provided through the courteous assistance of Sacramento-Valley CAPE (California Alliance of Pride and Equality) www.capecrusaders.org