Same-sex couples in Massachusetts have expressed their excitement over being able to legally marry. While many have been fighting for this right for quite some time, what they may not have thought about was the divorce process. A recent article touched on some of the reasons why a same-sex couple could have a difficult time getting a divorce. One of the biggest obstacles couples are facing is that a limited number of states recognize same-sex marriage. Many couples have moved since marrying and are now attempting to divorce in a state that does not recognize their marriage. Although several couples have tried to fight this, most cases will require the couple to establish residency in a state that does recognize the marriage before they will be able to start the divorce proceedings. This can obviously be a time consuming process. Another issue arises if the couple has children. In many instances, the biological parent will be the one to receive legal custody which could have a substantial impact on the proceedings. One suggestion is for the non-biological parent to adopt the child which would give them rights to the child as well in most cases. Any same-sex Massachusetts couple trying to file for a divorce could benefit from researching the applicable state laws and determining the best way to move forward with necessary action. As mentioned earlier, if children are involved, a parent could benefit from taking additional steps to ensure all custody concerns are addressed. Having the proper knowledge

Marriage is one of the most important commitments a person can make in their lifetime. Massachusetts residents who choose same-sex marriage are usually filled with optimism and hope for the future of their relationship. No couple wants to think about the possibility of divorce. Unfortunately, many relationships do end, and understanding the laws in one’s state, as well as the new rulings issued in the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), is important to protect one’s interests when a marriage ends in divorce. Same-sex marriage is legal in Massachusetts, and therefore, residents of our state do not have to travel to other states to marry. With the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to strike down part of the DOMA, federal benefits are now available to same-sex couples. Additionally, these couples are recognized on a federal level as being in a legal union. What does that mean for those Massachusetts’s residents seeking divorce? Because Massachusetts recognizes same-sex marriage, those who meet residency requirements are also able to divorce in Massachusetts. Given the new DOMA rulings, divorce for some same-sex couples will now become somewhat more complicated, especially if they have relocated to another state after they got married. Since federal benefits are now available for the spouses in same-sex marriages, these benefits will have to be considered during the dissolution of a marriage. Unfortunately, not all states recognize same-sex marriage, and therefore may not recognize a same-sex divorce, or the protections of the new laws. State and federal laws affect many areas of