For many same-sex couples in Massachusetts, issues of marriage and divorce can become complicated. These matters can become exponentially more complex when a couple chooses to relocate to a state in which same-sex marriage is not recognized. In such cases, non-traditional couples are often confronted with legal issues that differ from those faced by heterosexual couples. This may be the case for reality television host David Tutera, whom readers may know for his role on the show ‘My Fair Wedding.’ Tutera married his husband ten years ago, but the couple relocated to a state that does not recognize same-sex marriage. They are now seeking to end their marriage, and are also facing a child custody battle. The couple is currently working with a surrogate who is carrying twins scheduled to be born in July. However, the men have been separated since Jan. 2013, and are currently seeking to end their union. Tutera’s husband is asking for full custody of the twins, and has recently gone public with accusations that Tutera has an addiction to sex. He further claims that Tutera frequently uses the services of escorts and prostitutes to conduct sexual activity. As this case moves through the legal process, the men will likely face issues that confront all non-traditional couples, including difficulties divorcing in a state that does not allow same-sex marriage. The matter of child custody may move forward in a separate proceeding, and each side will have the chance to present a legal argument as to why

Unfortunately, same-sex couples’ rights are sadly lacking in many parts of the country. While in Massachusetts, same-sex marriage is allowed and seen positively, in other places many of the same-sex couples’ rights are denied. Fortunately, in one state, clear progress can be seen when a lesbian mother has been allowed to file a paternity suit for her child in a groundbreaking case. Two lesbians had decided to make a family in 2006 in which they would adopt two biological daughters. Because at that time their state didn’t allow them to adopt the children as a lesbian couple, they each legally adopted a girl and raised the two together. However, in 2009, all of this changed. After the women decided to separate, one of the women moved to Norway, taking her legal daughter and leaving behind the girl’s sister and her shocked ex, who had not expected this drastic move. The two sisters didn’t even have the chance to say goodbye to one another. After investigating the various legal options available to her, the woman in the United States, fought for child custody by filing a paternity suit. While paternity suits are typically filed by fathers seeking to spend time with their children, a state law had passed which allowed for non-biological fathers to seek custody. After discussing the case, a judge ruled that the paternity suit was valid since it would be discriminatory to allow non-biological fathers to sue but not non-biological mothers. Massachusetts has traditionally been ahead of the