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Same-sex couples now have the legal right to marry nationwide, including in the state of Michigan. While this Supreme Court ruling comes with caveats depending on where a couple attempts to marry or who they wish to marry them, one fact remains: Just because same-sex couples can now legally marry, that doesn’t mean they’re going to stay married. Divorce is inevitable for many same-sex couples, just as in marriages between a man and a woman.
At the end of last year, Columbia University professor Andrew Gelman presented statistics in The Washington Post that ultimately claim “the dissolution rate of same-sex marriages seems comparable to… the divorce rate of traditional marriages.” It’s reality: Though same-sex couples can finally marry, the joy of the present may not last forever.
Why Same-Sex Marriage Is No Different Than Straight Marriage
There are many same-sex couples who have been together for years, even decades, who now have the right to make their union legal. But there are also many young and impulsive same-sex couples who will jump into a marriage simply because they now can. The population of people who are getting married will change dramatically over the next few years, which means the accompanying divorce statistics will change rapidly too.
Does the ability to marry legally mean same-sex couples are more likely to take their marriage vows more seriously than straight couples? Does it mean they’re going to be “better” at marriage or work harder at it? Does it mean that infidelity won’t occur? Does it mean the spark won’t go out of the relationship or that their feelings for each other will never change? Of course not. They’re humans, and human beings are susceptible to the range of emotions that can occur in a relationship, whether it’s a straight or same-sex relationship. People can discover that the person they thought they were with is different in the marriage – dangerous, even – and need a safe way to exit the relationship.
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When Same-Sex Couples Divorce
Ultimately, what does the Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage mean for couples who divorce in Michigan? Well, it can mean that divorce might just be easier if same-sex couples ultimately reach the point where they want to dissolve their union.
In the past, there were differences between state and federal laws concerning same-sex marriage or civil unions. Residency issues about where a same-sex couple married and now resides won’t complicate divorce. If a couple is divorced in one state, they will be divorced everywhere, not just where same-sex marriage and divorce are legal.
Now that marriage is a legal right of all same-sex couples, it means divorce is their right as well. And all that comes with divorce, from spousal support to child support to parenting time. There will be taxes, marital property, inheritances, and all manner of assets and finances to split up. But now, the dissolution of a same-sex marriage will follow the same divorce process as any Michigan relationship.
And just because a same-sex couple chooses to divorce, that doesn’t mean things will end amicably. There can still be social media wars, inappropriate behavior, and the inability to communicate civilly and reasonably. Divorce isn’t easy no matter who you are or what kind of relationship you’re in. Contact Femminineo Attorneys in Mt. Clemens, MI, to schedule your initial interview and discuss all aspects of your divorce, whether you’re part of a same-sex marriage or a straight marriage.
Most lawyers are in a general practice and do some of everything. One of our main focuses is on Family law and being expert at divorce, custody and support matters.
We are in court daily, working with the family court judges, their staff and clerks, the Friend of the Court office, the Bar Association and other attorneys working in this area. We pride ourselves on fighting hard for our clients while working well with everyone.
Our extensive experience and strong relationship with the courts and our peers leads many judges and attorneys to hire us to act as Mediators in other Family Law cases. Make no mistake; having a strong working relationship with the court can have a massive impact on your case. Unlike most attorneys, we have no fear of the court room and are in trial regularly against the best in the business. We see the judges every week and maintain strong ties with their staff.
Although every attorney can “handle” your case, Femminineo Attorneys cares about you and your family. We work extremely hard to keep this difficult process civil and to shelter your children from as much of the negative facets as possible.
Once your case is concluded, we will be there to help you with any post-judgment problems that may arise.
Everyone’s financial situation is different and we work with our clients to formulate a fee arrangement that works within your means.
We have handled every possible situation involving domestic law. We will do everything possible to wrap up your case in a timely manner, avoiding delays that cause unnecessary legal fees.
When your case cannot be easily solved, we will fight hard and use all of our resources to win. Unlike most attorneys, we have no fear of the court room and we regularly win cases against the best in the business at trial.
Unlike many attorneys who have a part-time typist and work 30 hours a week, we have an expert staff available all day long to assist you and provide immediate service. We are available to our clients 24 hours a day through our hot line at 586-854-3654.
At Femminineo Attorneys, your case will be handled by an experienced family law attorney. Each of our attorneys in our family law division has many years of experience in handling family law matters.
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The information presented within this website is for general information purposes and is NOT and should not be considered as being “legal advice”. You should not act on any information presented herein without the verifying same with your attorney.