Same-sex marriage has only recently become legal in all 50 states, but for many years before that, same-sex couples had been tying the knot in the states that allowed it. For any couple that decides to get married, it is a happy, joyous time in their lives because they have found the person they plan to spend the rest of their life with, but in some cases, the marriage doesn’t last, and the couple ends up divorcing. Just as there have been many same-sex marriages to occur throughout the years, there have been many divorces. With this being the case, many same-sex couples have become a bit more familiar with the divorce process and what it entails.
The following are some of the divorce legal matters same-sex couples may face:
• Property division.
• Spousal support.
• Child custody.
The divorce matters that these couples face are typically similar to those that opposite-sex couples face when they are divorcing. However, before the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide, many same-sex couples had limited options when wanting to make a legal commitment to one another.
Prior to the ruling, in some states, couples were only able to establish domestic partnerships or civil unions. While these arrangements are very similar to marriage, in certain instances there may be complications when same-sex couples seek to dissolve their domestic partnerships or civil unions.
If you are considering a same-sex divorce or dissolution, you may wish to contact a family law attorney. The attorney could look at the specifics of your situation and help you work toward achieving an amicable settlement regarding such issues as child custody, spousal support and property division.