Marriage, Domestic Partnerships, and Civil Unions

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Some people call it discrimination by complication -- and it's true that lesbian and gay couples must stay on top of legal changes and make sure to take steps to protect their relationships. Learn about relationship laws in your state and about adoption and parenting, owning property together, and recent developments in the law affecting same-sex partners. (Some of those developments are so recent, thanks to the 2013 Supreme Court decision overturning DOMA, that we're still updating the content -- so if you see something that looks out of date, please check back soon!)

Marriage, Domestic Partnerships, and Civil Unions

In the last decade there has been an explosion in the number of states recognizing some form of legal relationship for same-sex partners. Learn the latest.

Same-Sex Marriage: Developments in the Law
Find out which states allow same-sex marriage or its legal equivalent.
Chart: Same-Sex Relationship Recognition by State
Which state laws provide for legal relationships between same-sex partners, and what are the details?
Issues Affecting Same-Sex Couples FAQ
Frequently asked questions about LGBT couples and the law.
Same-Sex Marriage Pros and Cons
Trying to decide whether to enter into a legal relationship with your beloved? Learn about the important factors here.
Domestic Partnership Benefits
What is a domestic partnership, anyway? Learn how the term has evolved and what it means to you.
Federal Marriage Benefits Available to Same-Sex Couples
Same-sex married couples may now qualify for federal benefits that were previously only available to heterosexual married couples.
I Said 'I Do' With My Same-Sex Partner -- But Am I Married?
If you are married to your same-sex partner but you don't live in a state (or country) that recognizes your relationship, things can get complicated.
Gay and Lesbian Adoption and Parenting
Learn the ins and outs of parenting when you're LGBT or in a same-sex relationship.
Real Estate Tax Impact of Supreme Court's DOMA Decision on Same-Sex Married Homeowners
Learn about real estate tax benefits for married same-sex couples

Same-Sex Divorce

Recognition of Existing Same-Sex Marriages
You may be legally married, but will your home state recognize your same-sex relationship?
Breakup Advice for Gay Couples Who Married or Registered in More Than One Place
With all the available options, lots of same-sex partners have legally tied the knot in more than one way. Find out the legal consequences of having more than one legal relationship.
Same-Sex Couples: Child Custody Issues
Child custody questions can be especially fraught when the parents are in a same-sex relationship, especially if the partners don't have equal parenting rights. Get the facts here.
Breakups for Unmarried Same-Sex Couples
Just as is true when same-sex couples marry, there are special issues when LGBT partners separate or divorce.
Same-Sex Divorce: Why Mediation or Collaboration Is Better Than Going to Court
Breaking up is hard to do--but it doesn't have to be a knock-down, drag-out court fight. Learn why mediation and collaboration are better options.
Same-Sex Divorce: Dealing With Multiple Registrations
Being married or registered in more than one place isn't that big a deal until it comes time to end the relationship--then it can complicate things quite a bit.
Same-Sex Divorce: The Difficulties of Nonrecognition
If you married in one of the states that allows it, but you live in a state that doesn't recognize same-sex relationships, you may be in for a challenge when it comes to ending your relationship.

LGBT Books View more

A Legal Guide for Lesbian & Gay Couples

Take the proper legal steps to define and protect your relationship in the eyes of the law using the practical and legal information in this book.

Making It Legal

A Guide to Same-Sex Marriage, Domestic Partnerships & Civil Unions

Questions on Lesbian & Gay Couples

Will my same-sex marriage in Canada be recognized in the United States?
Same-sex marriages from other countries may be recognized in some U.S. States--but not all of them.
Can I sponsor my gay partner for a green card?
Despite the advances that same-sex couples have made in the area of marriage, it's still not possible to sponsor a partner for a green card. Learn the facts here.
How do we deal with grandparents who limit visitation by lesbian mom?
How to deal with homophobic relatives.
Can my mother take custody of my child because I'm a lesbian?
Grandparents' rights differ from state to state, as do rules about lesbian parenting. Get more information here.
Can I lose my rights to see my children because I'm a lesbian?
Some states have laws prohibiting judges from using sexual orientation as a factor in deciding custody cases--but others do not, and custody disputes are a risky business for LGBT parents.