Residents of Worcester, Massachusetts, have witnessed different reforms pertaining to marriage. Massachusetts is one of the few states in the country where same-sex couples can tie the knot. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender married couples in Worcester who are having marital disputes may find themselves wanting to pursue a same sex divorce. Just like heterosexual couples, same-sex couples embroiled in divorce may find themselves facing issues like a child custody battle, the need to pay child support, spousal support and property division.
A gay couple who married in Massachusetts in 2006 is still waiting for the dissolution of their union. One spouse filed for a divorce four years ago in Texas. The petition was rejected by the office of the Attorney General of the state. The Attorney General’s office took the position that the state doesn’t allow same-sex marriage and, therefore, the state should also be prohibited from granting same-sex divorces. A judge later overruled the decision.
The Attorney General’s office appealed the judge’s ruling allowing the divorce to proceed and prevailed when the lower court’s decision the decision was reversed. The couple appealed this decision and the case was brought to the Texas Supreme Court in 2011. After four years of waiting, the gay couple is still waiting for the decision of the Texas Supreme Court regarding their divorce.
Same-sex couples in Worcester, Massachusetts who are currently facing divorce may need to consult with a legal professional. Family law attorneys with expertise in same-sex divorce may help couples seeking a divorce by providing information regarding their rights. Same-sex couples seeking divorce may also need to formulate plans that suit their unique situations and in order to ensure that both people walk away satisfied with the outcome.
Source: Dallasvoice.com, “4 years later, divorce-seeking gay Dallas couple J.B. and H.B. remain in ‘limbo’,” John Wright, Jan. 16, 2013
