All divorces, regardless of whether they involve heterosexual couples or same-sex couples, are treated the same in Massachusetts. The state requires that couples seeking same-sex divorce reside in Massachusetts for at least one year prior to filing for divorce. Just like heterosexual marriages, same-sex marriages are often subjected to obstacles along the way that sometimes result in divorce.
After two years of marriage, the 29-year-old Olympian, Johnny Weir, and husband Victor Voronov are faced with issues related to the division of their assets. The separation followed accusations of domestic and animal abuse, along with vandalism and infidelity. It was reported that the couple came to an agreement to establish a trust. The intentions were to sell off their community property and place the proceeds in the trust, to be split at a later date.
According to media reports, Weir met with Voronov’s representative to establish which items would be sold individually by each party. An agreement was reached whereby each party would get their own wedding ring. In addition, Johnny Weir would get the Faberge egg valued at about $20,000 while Victor Voronov would get the Louis Vuitton luggage.
Couples in Massachusetts seeking same-sex divorce have the same rights as heterosexual couples. For same-sex couples who got married in Massachusetts, these rights give them an advantage over couples who came from other states to get married here. There are, however, intricacies related to any Massachusetts divorce that may require specific knowledge of the state laws. Couples may also want to keep in mind that the assistance of mediators is available when contentious issues seem to be overwhelming.
Source: pagesix.com, “Forget alimony: Weir gets $20K Faberge egg“, Maggie Coughlan, April 1, 2014
