Legal unions refer to formal partnerships recognized by law, typically involving two individuals who choose to live together and share their lives. These unions can take various forms, such as marriage or civil unions, and provide legal rights and responsibilities to the partners, including matters related to property, inheritance, and decision-making in health care. In many jurisdictions, legal unions require a legal ceremony or registration process to be valid. The recognition of these unions can vary significantly across different regions, affecting the rights of partners in areas like taxation, social security, and family law.