Recent Same-Sex Marriage Posts

With July 1 each year, comes a host of new Virginia laws. The vast majority of the new laws go into effect on July 1, although a few have delayed effective dates. The subject of the new laws runs the gamut from minimum wage, marijuana decriminalization (for simple possession), driver cards for immigrants, guns, casinos/sports betting and more. The following laws impact the domestic relation / family law arena: HB 623. Gender-neutral terms; prohibitions on same-sex marriage and civil unions removed from Code; certain gender-specific crimes; penalty. Replaces the terms “husband” and “wife,” as well as related terms, with gender-neutral term…

Since same sex marriages became legal nationwide thanks to the U.S. Supreme Court in 2014, same-sex couples now face many of the same legal issues as more traditional families, with some exceptions. Before a Fairfax, Virginia, couple gets married, especially if one party already has children or owns a business or substantial assets, it would be a good idea to talk to a family law attorney about how to avoid legal issues before they arise. Pre-nuptial agreements They can make a possible future divorce far less stressful and complicated if it is properly executed. This is not a document you want to pull off the internet and fill out yoursel…

Surprising legal analysts across the country, the United States Supreme Court declined to grant requests from appellants in five states where measures banning same-sex marriage had been overturned. By declining review, the rulings from each of the appellate courts remains, clearing the way for same-sex marriages to begin or recommence in eleven states – including here in Virginia. This decision marks the culmination of lawsuits filed by two Virginia couples, Timothy Bostic and Tony London, and Carol Schall and Mary Townley, seeking to overturn Virginia’s constitutional and statutory bans on same-sex marriage. Judge Arenda L. Wright Allen …