Browse Marriage & Domestic Partnership Articles

Hospital Visitation & Decision-Making Rights for More Americans

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...

Bilal Kaiser - Aug 2010 - Living Wills
Divorce the Nice Way

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...

Stephanie Morrow - Apr 2010 - Divorce
Conjugal Visits: Preserving family bonds behind bars

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...

Patrick Rodgers - Sep 2008 - Marriage & Domestic Partnership
Changes in California Domestic Partnership law

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...

Stephanie Paul - Sep 2008 - Marriage & Domestic Partnership
Mail Order Brides and the K-1 Visa

You've scoured the catalogs or gone through an international agency and found your foreign soulmate. A few phone calls, letters, maybe a visit, and she said yes to your marriage proposal. Now what? For your fiancée to come to the States, she must obtain a K-1 visa. The following will help you better understand just what to expect. more...

Beverly Rice - Oct 2007 - Immigration
Gay Adoption: Why did the Supreme Court stay silent?

Was the U.S. Supreme Court making a statement when it declined to hear a gay adoption case? Most legal experts say the court's silence shouldn't be taken too seriously. Yet, given the publicity surrounding Florida's law, the court's refusal to hear Lofton v. Secretary of The Florida Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) would seem to communicate approval for the Florida adoption ban loud and clear. more...

Denise Callahan - Oct 2007 - Supreme Court
The Common Law Marriage Myth

If you do live in a state that recognizes common law marriage, be sure you get what you bargained for. At the very least, you and your partner should sign a statement regarding whether or not your intention is to establish a common law marriage. Otherwise, the man you've lived with for 10 years and jokingly called your "husband" could very well stake a claim to your retirement account. more...

Leanne Phillips - Apr 2007 - Marriage & Domestic Partnership
The Importance of a Domestic Partnership Agreement

Beyond financial concerns, a domestic partnership agreement can help set other parameters in the relationship. Many couples never get around to discussing day to day life matters--- let alone setting them down on paper--- and the creation of a legal document defining the relationship could arguably help clarify and strengthen the relationship more...

LegalZoom Staff Writer - Sep 2005 - Marriage & Domestic Partnership
Fact or Fiction: Five Myths about Common Law Marriage

Common law marriage is not recognized in most states today. And if it does exist, there is no simple test to see if a couple qualifies as married under common law. The answer as to whether your relationship might qualify as a common law marriage is complicated. more...

Mary S. Yamin-Garone - Jan 2005 - Marriage & Domestic Partnership
Unmarried Couples and Parenting: A look at the legal rights of parents and their children

Most people picture an "unwed mother" as a teenage girl, abandoned by her boyfriend as soon as her baby is conceived. However, a majority of unmarried parents are adults and are frequently in committed relationships even if they are not married. So, how does the marital status of these unmarried parents affect their legal rights and what impact do the laws have on their children? more...

Ann MacDonald - Family Law Basics