In 2014, Colorado's 10th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Defense of Marriage Act was unconstitutional. When they did, it gave those involved in same-sex relationships the right to marry. It also left many long-term couples questioning what impact, if any, that the elimination of the law from the books would have on them if they looked to split up.
Denver man disputes ruling that he and ex-partner were married
A few months ago, we discussed here on this blog how important it is for same-sex couples who are divorcing to ensure that any prior legal unions, no matter what state they were entered into, are dissolved. Failing to do so can cause complications for couples who want to make a clean break and go their separate ways. However, what if you were never legally married?
Protect your assets with a prenuptial agreement
If you've waited to marry until you've firmly established your career and bought a home, you aren't alone. Many couples aren't tying the knot until they've had independence and success. Also, for many same-sex couples, marriage wasn't a possibility until the past few years.
Make sure all same-sex legal unions are dissolved when divorcing
You and your spouse have been together for decades -- long before you could legally marry. If you lived in a state that offered domestic partnerships and/or civil unions for same-sex couples, you may have chosen one (or eventually both) of these options to make your partnership official in the eyes of the state where you were living. Then, when you were able to, you got married. In Colorado, that was one year before the U.S. Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage across the country.
