Legal Guidance For Same-Sex Couples And Domestic Partnerships

Although same-sex marriage is not legally recognized in Michigan, the law is moving that direction in various other states in our country. Same-gender couples who live in committed domestic partnerships may have certain rights and certain responsibilities to each other in the eyes of the law in certain circumstances such as the following:

• Employers may allow employees to register same-sex partnerships for purposes of health insurance and other benefits
• Same-sex partners may own property together and thus, if they dissolve their partnerships, will have property division issues to settle as joint tenants just as a married couple or a cohabitating heterosexual couple would
• When same-sex partners have been co-parenting minor children together then split, child custody and potentially, child support, issues may apply.

How Does Michigan Law Impact Same-Sex Relationships?

On November 2, 2004, Michigan voters approved Proposal 04-2, adding article 1, section 25 to Michigan’s Constitution, which states:

• To secure and preserve the benefits of marriage for our society and for future generations of children, the union of one man and one woman in marriage shall be the only agreement recognized as a marriage or similar union for any purpose. See Const 1963 art 1, §25.
• Michigan law provides that a same-sex couple may not adopt a child together in Michigan; however, one of the partners may adopt a child as a single person.
• According to the 2000 U.S. Census, of the 5.5 million unmarried partner households, only 4.9 million of these were made up of heterosexual couples; nearly a million gays and lesbians identified themselves as members of same-sex couples; same-sex couples lived in 99.3 percent of all counties in the United States; there were 15,368 same-sex couples in Michigan.
• If you and your lesbian, gay or transgender partner need a lawyer’s assistance with a cohabitation agreement, a separation agreement, a child custody plan, a contract, adoption, or a power of attorney, contact us . We craft creative and effective legal solutions for your family law problems.

At Marrs & Terry, PLLC, our attorneys understand the legal issues pertaining to same-sex partners who share households, financial responsibilities and parenting.

We are committed to ensuring that your concerns are resolved in an efficient and timely manner. Call us toll-free at 866-665-8095 or e-mail the firm to schedule a consultation.

Legal Issues In Forming Or Dissolving Same-Sex Partnerships

We care and are ready to advise you on all your legal options. We are prepared to help protect your individual and parental rights if you and your same-sex partner are setting up household together or separating. We to guide you efficiently legal processes that will most efficiently help you achieve your goals. Please ask us for assistance with any of the following:

• Child custody and visitation
• Child support
• Powers of attorney and healthcare directives
• Wills and trusts; personal representative appointments
• Cohabitation agreements
• Separation agreements

While Laws Change, Your Lives Move Forward

Your household issues cannot wait for laws to change when you have pressing legal matters to resolve regarding your and your same-gender partner. If you and your same gender partner are planning to adopt or raise a child together, if you are planning to buy a house together, or if you intend to serve in the role of each other’s next of kin in healthcare contexts, you are advised to see a lawyer. Marrs & Terry, PLLC, can help.

Contact An Advocate You Can Depend On

To discuss any same gender household matters with an empathetic family law attorney knowledgeable on lesbian, gay and bisexual issues in domestic partnerships, contact Marrs & Terry, PLLC, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to schedule a consultation.

Also, see our bankruptcy and foreclosure site if you and your same-sex partner face financial difficulties pertaining to your joint property.