In a historic decision earlier today, the US Supreme Court struck down the highly criticized Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) & the controversial California law known as Prop 8. As a lawyer and a human being I am thankful that our Supreme Court found the collective wisdom to treat all citizens equally regardless of their sexual orientation. Everyone deserves the right to be in a committed, happy, healthy, and government endorsed relationship. Marriage is unique in that it is both a civil/legal contract and religious institution. These lines frequently get blurred and are the cause of much of the emotional rhetoric on this issue.
There are many benefits that are granted to married persons including but not limited to tax filing status, inheritance tax benefits, the ability to make health care decisions for their spouse, adoption of children, and the list goes on. There is no legitimate reason that same sex couples should not enjoy these same government-bestowed rights and privileges.
For same sex couples, today’s decisions are historic, long overdue, and the simple recognition that the prior law was wrong and that your relationships have value. These decisions also present a wide range of new legal options, rights, and responsibilities. The Durst Firm, LLC is here to assist you in navigating these new possibilities.
