Civil union forums set by Wiggin & Nourie.

The law firm of Wiggin & Nourie is scheduling a series of seminars and roundtable discussions to address specific issues associated with the state's new civil unions law.

The law, which takes effect on Jan. 1, 2008, expressly purports to extend the same rights and obligations to civil union couples as are extended to and imposed on married couples.

"In theory, the attempt to put civil union couples on equal footing with married couples should be a simple proposition," said Jan Myskowski, co-chair of Wiggin & Nourie's Trust and Estate Planning Group. "However, because equal footing will apply only to New Hampshire state law, important distinctions between the status of married couples and civil union couples will persist."

Beginning this month, the firm will host roundtable discussions for accountants, insurance professionals, investment advisors and other financial service providers who have clients that will be affected by the law.

For a schedule of civil unions seminars and roundtable discussions, visit the News and Events section of the firm's Web site, wiggin-nourie.com.

For more information, call 669-2211.