Marriage & Domestic Partnership

Our Marriage & Domestic Partners articles section includes info about the legal side of what it means to say “I do.”

Recent Stories

Hospital Visitation & Decision-Making Rights for More Americans
Aug 2010

An April 2010 decree from President Obama states that hospitals must allow designated loved ones access to a patient even if they aren’t related by blood or marriage. The decree was prompted by a hospital denying Janice Langbehn the right to see Lisa Pond, her long-time partner, before Pond’s death. The decree is viewed as a win for gay rights. more...

Divorce the Nice Way
Apr 2010

There are countless reasons to play nice during a divorce, not the least of which is making things easier on the kids. But it goes well beyond offspring and can be a great way to save money and your sanity. more...

Conjugal Visits: Preserving family bonds behind bars
Sep 2008

Most of us assume that prison life precludes any private contact between inmates and their significant others. After all, that's one of the penalties of going to prison. But then what about conjugal visits? Do they still exist? And who is entitled to them? more...

Changes in California Domestic Partnership law
Sep 2008

Among all 50 states, California grants the most rights and protections to same-sex couples through its domestic partnership law. Recent changes in the California law are giving same-sex couples the opportunity to enjoy many more of the same benefits often linked with marriage. more...