Same-Sex Couples
Within the realm of gay rights, no issue has been more controversial than the ability of same-sex couples to secure the rights and benefits of familial relationships. Lawyers have offered articles for this section of the KnowledgeBase covering topics such as gay marriage, civil unions and the right of same-sex couples to adopt children.
FindLaw Same-Sex Couples Articles
- Poll shows views on same-sex marriage may be shifting in Virginia
Provided by: Barnes & Diehl, P.C.
Same-sex couples in Virginia aren't given the same spousal rights that some other states offer, but there are ways to handle some common issues that arise in same-sex relationships. Read More » - Tumultuous legal landscape creates obstacles to same-sex divorce
Provided by: DiBella Law Offices, P.C.
Even in Massachusetts, where same-sex marriage is legal, same-sex divorce can involve some tricky legal issues. Read More » - Ending a domestic partnership in California
Provided by: Bohm Matsen, LLP
In California, a same-sex couple may be able to terminate their domestic partnership through a summary dissolution or through a dissolution of domestic partnership. Read More » - California family law: the domestic partnership
Provided by: Bartholomew & Wasznicky LLP
As complex as the legal path of the attempt to legalize same-sex marriage has been in California, a different option some have chosen is that of the California domestic partnership, an alternative to marriage for same-sex and a narrow group of opposite-sex couples. Read More » - Same-sex couples face special challenges when divorcing in Massachusetts
Provided by: Cunha & Holcomb, P.C.
Same-sex couples can grow apart, just like anyone else. But what happens when same-sex partners need to end a marriage? Read More » - Navigating Washington’s same-sex marriage law
Provided by: Law Offices of Gregory & Rooney, PLLC
Washington's Referendum 74 provides gays and lesbians the ability to enjoy most of the same rights provided to married heterosexual couples. Read More » - Washington voters uphold state law legalizing same-sex marriage
Provided by: DuBois Cary Law Group, PLLC
Washington voters have acted to confirm a law legalizing same-sex marriage by way of a state referendum. Read More » - Will Illinois see a marriage equality bill in the New Year?
Provided by: Susan E. Kamman & Associates
Illinois lawmakers are set to reconvene for a lame duck session in early January; Governor Quinn thinks that could be the state’s best shot at pushing through a marriage equality measure. Read More » - Court gives marital rights to out-of-state domestic partnership
Provided by: Army & Army, LLC
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court recently handed down a ruling that will affect the parental custody rights of some same-sex partners in the state. Read More » - More States Are Adopting Same-Sex Marriage Laws; Will This Lead to Changes to DOMA?
Provided by: Colwell, Colwell & Petroccione, LLP
This November, residents of many states decided to allow gay marriage, but the federal government has not yet taken that step. An attorney may help same-sex couples protect their rights and assets. Read More » - Custody Determinations for Same-Sex Couples in Pennsylvania
Provided by: Jacobson, Julius & McPartland
When a same-sex couple separates issues of child support and child custody must be resolved. Read More » - How Preregistration Agreements Can Help Domestic Partners
Provided by: Stolar & Associates, A Professional Law Corporation
Domestic partners can protect their income and property through a preregistration agreement. Read More » - Possible Legal and Financial Complications for Married Same Sex Couples
Provided by: Johnson & Cohen, LLP
The Defense of Marriage Act, which went into effect in 1996, is the federal law that defines marriage as between a man and a woman. It also allows states to refuse to recognize the same sex marriage of a couple from another state. Read More » - Court Ruling on DOMA Could Affect Same-Sex Marriages in New York
Provided by: Colwell, Colwell & Petroccione, LLP
A federal court recently ruled that the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional. If the United States Supreme Court decides to pick up the case, then the rights of same-sex married couples in New York could be affected. Read More » - Completing The Same-Sex Family: Second-Parent Adoptions In North Carolina
Provided by: Roberts Law Group, PLLC
After a 2010 North Carolina Supreme Court ruling, same-sex couples have not been legally able to adopt their partner's biological or adopted children. That all may soon change; North Carolina's prohibition against second-parent adoption is being challenged in federal court. Read More » - North Carolina Domestic Partnerships
Provided by: Roberts Law Group, PLLC
A domestic partnership is a contract between two unmarried individuals that outlines each other's rights and responsibilities to each other, during the relationship and if the relationship ends. Read More » - Child Custody Rights for Gays and Lesbians in Arkansas
Provided by: Robertson Law Firm, PLLC
In three recent cases, Arkansas courts have shown their willingness to extend some rights to gay and lesbian parents. Read More » - Legal Protections For Same-Sex Or Unmarried Couples In North Carolina
Provided by: Roberts Law Group, PLLC
Domestic partnerships and other legal methods for establishing and securing the legal rights of same-sex families were not invalidated by Amendment One. Until same-sex marriage is allowed in North Carolina, additional steps must be taken by same-sex families to establish rights commonly associated with marriage. Read More » - Washington’s New Same-Sex Marriage Law: What’s Next for LGBT Couples?
Provided by: DuBois Cary Law Group, PLLC
When Washington's marriage equality goes into effect on June 7, 2012, the state becomes the seventh to legalize gay marriage. Read More » - Santorum Favors Retroactive Same-Sex Marriage Ban
Provided by: Johnson & Cohen, LLP
Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum favors a constitutional amendment prohibiting same-sex marriage. Read More » - Partnership & Property Agreements Beneficial for Unwed Couples
Provided by: Lasiter & Jackson
Unmarried couples can draft a document that outlines their right to property and construct a legal agreement which protects their rights. Read More » - North Carolina’s “Marriage Amendment” May Have Broad Implications
Provided by: Breeden Law
The proposed constitutional "Marriage Amendment" in NC could have implications beyond same-sex couples seeking legal rights. Read More » - Ending Registered Domestic Partnerships in Oregon
Provided by: Jensen & Leiberan, Attorneys at Law
Registered domestic partners in Oregon must legally dissolve the registered domestic partnership, in a proceeding similar to a divorce, if the relationship ends. They cannot register a new domestic partnership until the previous one has been dissolved. Read More » - How to Register a Domestic Partnership in New Jersey
Provided by: A. Schancupp & Associates, LLC
In 2007, the New Jersey Legislature amended the Domestic Partnership Act with the Civil Union Act, changing the eligibility requirements for registering domestic partnerships in the state. Read More » - New York’s Same-Sex Marriage Law and Marital Rights in the U.S.
Provided by: Bryan L. Salamone & Associates, P.C.
Same-sex couples can now get married (and divorced) in New York. With the legal right of marriage comes the legal process of divorce, and same-sex couples need to protect their interests the same way opposite-sex couples protect their interests under the law. Read More » - Same-Sex Military Couples Seeking Spousal Benefits for First Time
Provided by: Barnes & Diehl, P.C.
Recently filed federal lawsuits are seeking military benefits for same-sex couples. Read More » - Dallas Man Petitions Texas Supreme Court for Review of Gay Divorce Case
Provided by: Law Offices of Ralph E. Williamson
A Dallas man’s attempt to divorce his husband has been working its way through the Texas state courts, and he has filed a petition with the Texas Supreme Court seeking further review. Read More » - What Every Registered Domestic Partner in Washington State Needs to Know
Provided by: DuBois Cary Law Group, PLLC
If you are considering registering for a domestic partnership or are in a registered domestic partnership, you should be aware of the gaps and limitations between Washington state law and federal law. Read More » - Civil Unions to be Recognized in Illinois
Provided by: Van Schwab Attorney at Law
On January 31st, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed into a law a bill recognizing civil unions. Read More » - Gay Couples Can’t Marry in Texas, But Can They Divorce There?
Provided by: Goranson Bain Larsen Greenwald Maultsby & Murphy, PLLC
Texas courts are grappling with complex legal issues in two same-sex divorce cases. Read More » - Same-Sex Divorce and the Constitution's Full Faith and Credit Clause
Provided by: Law Offices of Ralph E. Williamson
Should the state of Texas grant the divorce of a same-sex couple lawfully married in another state? Read More » - Expansion of Rights for Domestic Partnerships Put to Vote in Washington
Provided by: Engel Law Group
The Domestic Partnership Expansion Bill gives domestic partners the same rights and responsibilities under state law as married heterosexual couples, with the exception of the right to marry. Read More » - Same-Sex Marriage Making Strides
Provided by: Law Firm of Victoria T. Ferrara, P.C.
Many Americans currently oppose same-sex marriage, but the trend is towards increasing acceptance. A recent poll found that 40 percent of Americans support marriage for same-sex couples. Read More »