men toastingIt seems the story on the validity of same sex marriage changes every day. With some states banning same sex unions, then higher courts overturning those bans, it was only a matter of time before there was word on the issue from the U.S. Supreme Court. And, the word is in.

On October 6, 2014 the Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal of a lower court’s decision holding some state bans on same sex marriage constitutional. What this means is:

  • The states that were seeking to uphold their bans on same sex marriage will not be allowed to present their case to the Supreme Court.
  •   This ruling gives validity to requests for marriages in the states that had previously denied applications for marriage to same sex couples.

 

Almost immediately couples in the impacted states began planning for their future. The first step towards that future was to apply for a marriage license. Without a ban on the marriages, officials began issuing the requested licenses. The potential effect of the Court’s refusal to hear the case could mean that other states with bans will soon be required to lift those bans. And of legal importance for these unions is equality of treatment in the eyes of law, the same as heterosexual marriages receive. This means if the marriage is later dissolved, the same laws that apply to couples of the opposite sex when ending their marriage will apply to same sex marriages. These laws include property distribution, division of assets, and child custody and support matters. The lawyers at The Ferraro Law Group keep on top of the most current legal trends, so they can offer you competent and accurate legal representation.

If you have questions regarding marriage and divorce, call our office for answers. Contact us to schedule an appointment with an experienced family law attorney in Stuart and the Treasure Coast today.