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Supreme Court decision overturning DOMA, that we're still updating the content -- so if you see something that looks out of date, please check back soon!)
Federal Marriage Benefits Available to Same-Sex Couples
The DOMA Decision Allows Same-Sex Married Couples to Receive Benefits The June 26, 2013 decision in
Recognition of Existing Same-Sex Marriages
Many same-sex couples get married in a state or foreign country that recognizes same-sex marriage.
Breakup Advice for Gay Couples Who Married or Registered in More Than One Place
Over the past 15 years a patchwork of marriage equality, marriage equivalents, and marriage "lite" relationships emerged in different parts of the United States. Learn more about breaking things off and what has changed now that same-sex marriage is legal in every state.
Will my same-sex marriage in Canada be recognized in the United States?
In 2006, I married my same-sex partner in Canada, where we were living at the time. We are contemplating a move to the United States. Will our marriage be recognized there?
Can I sponsor my same-sex partner for a green card?
Limitations on, and possibilities for, obtaining U.S. residence for a gay or lesbian partner.