Where Does Pennsylvania Go From Here?
On June 26, 2015, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that the Fourteenth Amendment requires a State to license a marriage between two people of the same sex. In this landmark case (Obergefell et al. v. Hodges, Director, Ohio Department of Health, et al.), couples of the same sex were granted equal rights as far as marriage is concerned. This means gay and lesbian couples can now enjoy the same rights that straight couples have enjoyed for generations.
The ruling also means, however, that same-sex couples must now address the many family-related legal issues that can arise before, during and after marriage. Since Pennsylvania’s divorce code now applies equally to same sex couples, timing elements such as when a marriage took place and where become crucial in divorce and equitable distribution.
Since Pennsylvania in 2014 had already become the 19th state to recognize same sex marriage (in a ruling handed down by Federal District Court Judge John E. Jones III), the Supreme Court ruling instantly was recognition of all same sex marriages performed in any state after June 26, 2015. Things like Step-parent adoption instantly became easier.
At the Law Office & Mediation Service of Elissa C. Goldberg, LLC in Doylestown, we stay up to date on the rapidly changing law that governs gay and lesbian marriage. You will find an attorney who provides exceptional service whether you are looking for a neutral to facilitate mediation proceedings or an aggressive advocate who can protect your rights in court.
We invite you to schedule a free initial consultation by calling 215-345-5259 or by contacting our family law office online. We look forward to helping you with child custody issues, the adoption process or anything else that can help us achieve your goals.
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Same-Sex Family Law and Domestic Partnership Practice Areas
Our firm is ready to listen to your situation and prepare a personalized strategy to help you resolve issues involving:
- Divorce, both contested and uncontested
- Child custody
- Visitation
- Adoption
- Property division
- Alimony or child support
- Premarital agreements
We try to resolve every case as quickly and as cost-efficiently as possible. We will explore whether the collaborative law approach to divorce is right for you. We believe that couples who can sit down and work through issues are more likely to uphold their obligations, and they are able to save valuable time and money in the process. That being said, we are always prepared to protect the rights of our clients during trial.
Contact a Pennsylvania Same-Sex Marriage Lawyer
Please schedule a free consultation to learn more about our same-sex family law services. You may call our firm at 215-345-5259 or you may contact our office online. We look forward to serving you.