Going through a divorce can be difficult for any couple that wishes to no longer be married. The process can at times be drawn-out and stressful, depending on the circumstances of the situation. For individuals involved in a gay marriage situation, their wish to divorce can become even more difficult if they live in a state where their marriage is not recognized as legal. Massachusetts was the first state to legalize same-sex marriage, and now, representatives in the state hope to keep the pro-gay marriage movement going. A brief was recently filed with the United States Supreme Court, in hopes that the court system will look at several cases regarding whether state bans on same-sex marriage should be considered unconstitutional. Many individuals who are advocating that same-sex marriage be legalized in other areas argue that not allowing the marriages is a violation of the 14th Amendment. It was also reported that the legalization of the unions in Massachusetts has had a beneficial impact on families and marriage itself. Unfortunately, individuals who live and marry in the state may feel that they are unable to move to certain other states due to same-sex marriage not being legal in those areas. Should they move to one of those states, they may be unable to qualify for certain benefits or even be unable to divorce if they should wish to do so. Though same-sex couples in Massachusetts have the ability to legally participate in gay marriage, the topic of other states overturning the

Contemplating marriage can be one of the most important and life-altering decisions that someone will ever make. Same-sex couples in Massachusetts can potentially face many areas of confusion when deciding if the time is right to get married. A recent decision made by the U.S. Supreme Court struck down part of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). As a result, each individual state is able to determine some of the legal variables involved in a gay marriage. There are currently 13 states, including Massachusetts, where same sex marriage is legal. Of the 37 states which do not recognize same-sex marriage, some still offer benefits to same sex partners, while other states grant them no legal status. Tax implications vary across the country for these couples. For example, an individual living in a state that doesn’t recognize gay marriage — but was legally married in a state which does — would be required to declare his or herself as single on any state tax returns. Same-sex couples traveling abroad could face potential risks. Some countries consider any small display of public affection between same-sex partners to be a crime. The possible hurdles in the way of splitting up might be the most important consideration of all for these individuals. Currently, many same-sex couples would have to relocate to a state which recognizes the legality of their marriage — just to be able to formally divorce. The difference in the interpretation of our laws from state to state could create a lot

Massachusetts residents may be interested to know that pending legislation in the District of Columbia is designed to offer protection to same sex couples who married in the District and want to divorce, but now live in a state that does not recognize the marriage. To date, in addition to the District of Columbia, six states allow same-sex marriage. The proposed bill is titled the Civil Marriage Dissolution Equality Amendment Act of 2011 and is expected to come to a vote in early 2012. In effect, it allows same-sex couples no longer living in Washington, D.C., to process their divorce there under certain conditions. Previously, the law required that one party to the marriage live there for at least six months prior to filing for divorce. The bill was cosponsored by eight of the D.C. Council’s 13 members. It is considered necessary because states that do permit same sex marriages have no mechanism for providing a divorce between a couple lawfully married in another jurisdiction. For the law to apply, the couple must have been married in the District. Since so few states currently provide for same-sex marriage, the District of Columbia appears to offer an important safeguard for those wishing to divorce. The law in this area is constantly changing, and those affected would likely benefit from consulting an attorney experienced in family law and procedures as they apply to same-sex marriage. In enacting the proposed legislation, the District will be closing a loophole that seemingly leaves some same-sex