Domestic Partnerships Get Shot in the Arm in the U.S.

Domestic partnerships got a shot in the arm last week when the United States Supreme Court gave the right for same-sex marriages to be recognized in all 50 states. That isn’t where it all started, of course. It was back in 2004 when the then-mayor of San Francisco began a battle royal to give the right to get married to all same-sex couples in his city.

The retired Chief Justice of California, Ronald George, was recently on a cruise in Alaska when a bottle of wine and a thank you note were delivered to his dinner table. You see, he also played a huge part in getting same-sex couples the same rights as those who have a traditional marriage of man and woman.

The mayor of San Francisco was at the state of the union address of President George W. Bush in 2004 and the president pledged to draft a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. The mayor heard some disparaging remarks and went back to California with a fire burning in his heart to see the outcome change.

History was made with this resolution.

While marriage is wonderful and granted to everyone now, some don’t have the glowing happiness that they once did. Divorce is something that will be happening to those who thought that their same-sex union would last forever.

Sometimes, the happily ever after scenario doesn’t work out. Divorce is a reality for some who thought that they had met “the one.” It happens to the best of couples and it is a reality that must be faced at some point for some of us.

Calling in an experienced attorney when you are thinking of getting a divorce in this type of domestic union can be a good idea. This person will make sure your best interests are served.

Source: Los Angeles Times, “Same-sex marriage rights in trailblazing California now extend to all,” Maura Dolan and Lee Romney, June 26, 2015