Supreme Court Ruling on Gay Marriage

In late June of this year, the Supreme Court ruled 5 to 4 in allowing same-sex couples entitlement to federal benefits. The Court also declined to make a decision regarding a case in California which boiled down to allowing that state to proceed with same-sex marriages. In the decision, the Supreme Court ruled that the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was unconstitutional. Section 3 of DOMA narrowly defined marriage as a union only between a man and a woman, which made it impossible for same-sex couples to have access to federal benefits. The Court said that Section 3 was a violation of the Constitution which extends protection to all Americans. Though the decision was a landmark one which will further the recognition of same-sex marriages in states where they are legal, it did not extend as far as the endorsement of such marriages.

Connecticut is a state which legalized same-sex marriage in 2008 following California and Massachusetts. Prior to then, Connecticut authorized civil unions only. This was challenged in the state's courts and same-sex marriages were legalized as a result. In 2010 all civil unions in the state were automatically changed into marriages. Currently, 13 states have made same-sex marriage legal. These include California, Delaware, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington as well as the District of Columbia. Six other states currently have civil union or domestic partnership laws.

Divorce and Family Law Firm in Connecticut

Divorce and family law matters are obviously very personal issues which have an enormous impact on the lives of those involved. These issues involve intimate relationships as well those relating to children. Disputes and legal problems pertaining to these affairs can create emotional distress and anxiety for all concerned and deserve the most competent and compassionate legal professional you can find. Bauer Law Group, based in Hamden, serves clients throughout the state with the kind of proficiency, attention to detail, and support you can count on when going through a divorce or other family law process.

This firm provides big-firm results with small-firm service. Here you will find the personalized and caring approach that is so needed when facing a divorce, post-divorce matter, domestic violence, adoption, or other family law issue. The firm's competence and commitment to its clients has been recognized by legal industry peers, including inclusion in Connecticut's Super Lawyers Rising Stars. Lead attorney Bauer has also been recognized in a list of the most outstanding lawyers in the state featured in the Connecticut Law Tribune. To learn more about how the firm can help you with your divorce or family law issue, contact the law offices to schedule a free, initial consultation.