(203) 222-4949 
WESTPORT, CT
GREENWICH, CT
In 2008, the Connecticut Supreme Court in Kerrigan v. Commissioner of Public Health, 289 Conn. 135, 957 A.2d 407, ruled that allowing same-sex couples to form same-sex unions but not marriages violated the Connecticut Constitution. With that landmark ruling, Connecticut became the third state, after Massachusetts and California, to legalize same-sex marriages. Of course, with the right to marry comes the right to divorce. If you need guidance on marriage, adoption, or divorce, an experienced Westport same sex Sex Marriage Lawyer can help protect your rights. Our dedicated family attorneys have extensive experience representing individuals in same-sex divorces. We are sensitive to the nuances involved, including estate planning, powers of attorney, health care proxies, and adoption.
No. All couples divorcing in Connecticut have the same legal rights and obligations.
Connecticut’s property division and alimony laws lag behind modern relationships because both statutes require courts to consider only the length of the marriage, not the length of the overall relationship. Connecticut courts have ruled that a judge commits legal error by relying on the length of a civil union instead of the length of the marriage, which can create appellate issues. Even so, because courts retain broad discretion in property and alimony decisions, a skilled Westport divorce lawyer can advocate for equitable orders based on the full scope of the relationship. It would be fundamentally unfair to limit a lifetime of shared support and decision-making to the date when the law first allowed the parties to marry.
At Broder Orland Murray & DeMattie LLC, we know many same-sex couples had to take extra precautions with their estate planning documents due to the inability to legally marry before 2008. For this reason, we routinely partner with exceptional trusts and estate lawyers to modify your estate planning documents alongside your divorce agreement and ensure that you receive every asset you expect after the court finalizes your divorce.
Child custody issues are more complicated if the parents have not taken the legal steps needed to ensure that both parents have full legal parental rights. If you or your spouse have not taken the proper steps to adopt your child, you could lose custody of your child on technical grounds, even if you are the primary caregiver. Having an experienced same-sex divorce lawyer on your side helps ensure that you are protecting your interests so you can continue to serve your child’s best interests.
Same-sex family law matters can be complex, especially when issues like property division, estate planning, or child custody are involved. Our team understands the unique challenges same-sex couples face and will work diligently to protect your rights and secure a fair outcome.
Schedule a consultation with a knowledgeable Westport Same Sex Marriage Lawyer at Broder Orland Murray & DeMattie LLC. Call 203-222-4949 or complete our secure contact form today to discuss your case and get the experienced legal guidance you deserve.