Same-Sex Marriage Legalization in the U.S.
Guidance from an Experienced Garden City Family Attorney
On June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down a decision on
Obergefell v. Hodges, an Ohio case concerning marriage equality. In their ruling, the justices
determined that the Constitution provided the right of marriage to all
Americans, effectively legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide. The decision
was called a "victory for America" by President Obama and instantly
hailed as a pivotal civil rights event for the U.S.
Even in states where same-sex marriage is already legal, like New York,
this decision could have a bearing on same-sex couples already married—especially
if they are facing a family law matter.
At
Jonathan E. Edwards P.C., we have long been working with LGBT clients to ensure that their interests
are protected and that their family law and
divorce goals are met. Now that the Supreme Court has made its ruling, we are
excited to continue to serve this community who can finally enjoy all
the benefits marriage has to offer.
Retain a Garden City family attorney ready to make your best interests
a priority.
Contact us today.
New Federal Marriage Benefits for Same-Sex Couples
Same-sex marriage has been legal in New York since 2011.
Obergefell v. Hodges, however, has made it so that same-sex couples now have access to federal
marriage benefits that were previously unavailable to them.
Some of the new federal marriage benefits include:
- Social security spousal survivor benefits
- Social security retirement benefits
- Social security lump-sum death benefits
- Veteran and military benefits
- Federal employment benefits
As with any shared, financial benefit, these new federal benefits could
have a bearing on any current or anticipated family law matter. If you
and your fiancé, wife, or husband are facing a legal issue you
believe your new federal marriage benefits may affect, then we invite
you to contact us today.
We are ready to assess your circumstances and provide solutions that not
only speak to your every concern, but address the full breadth of your
rights as a married American citizen.
We are ready to hear your story. Contact us today for a
free case evaluation.