Many gay couples had difficulty getting divorced prior to the U.S. Supreme Court's 2015 ruling in Obergfell v. Hodges legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide. Before the ruling, married same-sex couples who moved to states that didn't recognize marriage equality were generally barred from getting a divorce in those states. While they were legally able to get divorced in the state where the marriage was performed, states typically require a certain period of residency before a divorce will be granted. This created problems for couples who had destination weddings and then returned to states that didn't recognize same-sex marriage.
This article summarizes the challenges often faced by same-sex couples seeking a divorce, both before and after Obergefell. See FindLaw's Same Sex Marriage and Divorce sections to learn more.
The Defense of Marriage Act
Under section 2 of the (since overruled) Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), no state was required to recognize same-sex marriages from other states. States that didn't allow same-sex marriage could choose not to recognize same-sex marriages from other states as valid marriages. Therefore, even if a same-sex couple met the residency requirement for divorce, they could be denied a divorce if they resided in a state that didn't recognize same-sex marriage.
States that failed to recognize same-sex marriage often refused to enforce same-sex divorce judgments against their residents as well. Court orders (including support orders) were often unenforceable across state lines if, for example, an ex-spouse moved to a state that didn't recognize same-sex marriage.
But the Obergefell decision, which protects marriage equality at the federal level, also requires states to recognize valid same-sex marriages performed in other states.
It's not quite clear how state governments will respond to the sweeping changes in marriage law, including access to divorce by partners in civil unions.
In recognition of the challenge same-sex couples faced getting divorced, many states that permitted same-sex marriage also allowed non-resident same-sex couples to divorce. For example, California requires that at least one spouse be a resident of California for at least six months prior to filing a petition for dissolution of marriage. However, California also allows non-resident same-sex married spouses to dissolve their marriage if they married in California and neither spouse lives in the state. The couple must file for dissolution in the county in which they married.
In Illinois, generally one spouse must be a resident of the state for at least 90 days prior to petitioning for dissolution of marriage. However, Illinois courts also would grant a divorce if both spouses lived in a state in which the court would not dissolve their marriage.
Other states that allow for non-resident divorce include Delaware, Hawaii, Minnesota, and Vermont. In addition, Washington D.C. allowed non-resident couples to divorce if they married in the District of Columbia and didn't reside in a state that recognized same-sex divorce.
In the wake of the Obergefell decision, though, same-sex couples have a fundamental right to obtain a divorce regardless of their state of residence.
Although same-sex marriage law is largely a settled matter after Obergefell, some confusion may still remain. If you need assistance with understanding the requirements for divorce in your particular situation, you can contact a divorce attorney who's experienced in same-sex legal issues in your neck of the woods.
This article summarizes the challenges often faced by same-sex couples seeking a divorce, both before and after Obergefell. See FindLaw's Same Sex Marriage and Divorce sections to learn more.
The Defense of Marriage Act
Under section 2 of the (since overruled) Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), no state was required to recognize same-sex marriages from other states. States that didn't allow same-sex marriage could choose not to recognize same-sex marriages from other states as valid marriages. Therefore, even if a same-sex couple met the residency requirement for divorce, they could be denied a divorce if they resided in a state that didn't recognize same-sex marriage.
States that failed to recognize same-sex marriage often refused to enforce same-sex divorce judgments against their residents as well. Court orders (including support orders) were often unenforceable across state lines if, for example, an ex-spouse moved to a state that didn't recognize same-sex marriage.
But the Obergefell decision, which protects marriage equality at the federal level, also requires states to recognize valid same-sex marriages performed in other states.
Dissolution of Domestic Partnerships
Despite the Supreme Court's historic ruling, some same-sex couples may still be caught in a state of limbo if they choose to end their partnership. For instance, many same-sex couples who did not have access to marriage opted for civil unions or domestic partnerships instead. While legally similar to marriage, not all states recognize these types of arrangements and as a result may not be able to dissolve civil unions or domestic partnerships. Couples who entered into civil unions in Delaware and Rhode Island, however, are legally considered married (civil unions in those states were converted to marriages in 2013).It's not quite clear how state governments will respond to the sweeping changes in marriage law, including access to divorce by partners in civil unions.
Non-Resident Same-Sex Divorce
In Illinois, generally one spouse must be a resident of the state for at least 90 days prior to petitioning for dissolution of marriage. However, Illinois courts also would grant a divorce if both spouses lived in a state in which the court would not dissolve their marriage.
Other states that allow for non-resident divorce include Delaware, Hawaii, Minnesota, and Vermont. In addition, Washington D.C. allowed non-resident couples to divorce if they married in the District of Columbia and didn't reside in a state that recognized same-sex divorce.
In the wake of the Obergefell decision, though, same-sex couples have a fundamental right to obtain a divorce regardless of their state of residence.
Considerations
After several years of fluctuating laws and status, the matter is finally settled at the federal level. But it is important to refer to your state's laws if your situation is particularly complex. Those in civil unions, for example, may need to establish residency in the state where the union was performed in order to dissolve the relationship. But if you were legally married, you may now get divorced in any state.Although same-sex marriage law is largely a settled matter after Obergefell, some confusion may still remain. If you need assistance with understanding the requirements for divorce in your particular situation, you can contact a divorce attorney who's experienced in same-sex legal issues in your neck of the woods.
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