The Marriage Equality Act

Long Island Same-Sex Family & Divorce Attorneys

The Marriage Equality Act, signed into law on June 24, 2011 and going into effect 30 days later, allows same-sex couples to wed in the state of New York. However, the act also provides neutrality for clergy members who wish not to marry same-sex couples and for any religious or benevolent corporation to refuse to rent a venue for a wedding or reception. The act includes all of the traditional rights and privileges reserved for an opposite-sex marriage in New York, with the exception of federal benefits.

Understanding Same-Sex Family Law in Long Island

Due to the fact that marriage for same-sex couples was not granted until 2011, many couples have been forced to put off marriage until later in their lives, allowing them to build a career and a savings in the time being. As such, it is highly advised that all same-sex couples who wish to marry speak with a family lawyer. In the event of a divorce should occur, the attorney would have helped the couple with their marriage license, along with drafting prenuptial agreements between the two people.

Although the Supreme Court declared same-sex marriage legal in all 50 states in 2015, there are still issues and legal complications you and your partner or spouse might face as a same-sex married couple. Some of these matters include:

• Divorce
• Prenuptial Agreements
• Postnuptial Agreements
• Property Division
• Adoptions
• Child Custody
• And More

Contact Wisselman, Harounian & Associates Today

As state and federal laws adjust to meet the positive social and political shifts in public opinion, it’s important that you understand the full extent of your legal rights. At Wisselman, Harounian & Associates, we can guide you in navigating these new and unchartered legal territories because we keep up-to-date on any changes in laws and regulations. Because we are so well-versed in various family law disciplines, we are always prepared for any imaginable legal situation or circumstance. Our objective is to meet the needs of our clients and help them successfully pursue their goals. If you want reliable and intelligent legal aid, look no further than the divorce attorneys at Wisselman, Harounian & Associates.

At our office, our lawyers have decades of experience in the area of family law to use to your advantage. We assist clients with all family law matters, including those relating to divorce, same-sex divorce, child custody, child support, visitation, domestic violence, paternity, and more.

To get more information on the Marriage Equality Act and to speak to our firm, contact a Long Island same-sex family law attorney at the office today.