View Our Practice AreasSome professionals in the field of family law have reported a trend towards less acrimonious divorces. They state that there is a growing group of ex-spouses who remain friends and deeply involved in each others lives. Couples with children appear to be especially likely to have a more amicable divorce and a friendly relationship afterward.
Same-sex couples fighting to extend marriage rights
Same-sex couples in Washington may have rejoiced when the Supreme Court expanded the rights for same-sex marriage nationwide. However, 35 states still ban marriage between same-sex individuals. While couples in these states could relocate to states where same-sex marriage is legal, many have ties to their home state. In these instances, many couples, like two from Virginia, are turning to court in an effort to extend their marriage rights. The case, which involves a male couple that has been together for almost 25 years, takes on a state constitutional amendment that prevents any changes to the definition of marriage. The couple had attempted to get married just days after the decisions for Proposition 8 and DOMA were revealed but hit a roadblock when the fee for their marriage license was denied.
Same-sex couple denied divorce
With legal attitudes towards same-sex couples changing rapidly, Washington couples may be surprised to learn that a judge in Mississippi refused to grant a divorce for a couple who had gotten married in California. According to reports, the divorce request was denied because Mississippi state law does not recognize same-sex marriage.
Divorce and taxes
One of the aspects of a divorce that is often contentious involves the division of assets. In community property states such as Washington, assets acquired during a marriage are divided equally between divorcing spouses. In other states, though, the distribution of property is based on what is considered to be fair in the eyes of the courts. Either way, a high asset divorce can present significant tax issues.
