Divorce For Same-Sex Couples

The Marriage Equality Act took effect in New York in the summer of 2011 and inevitably, there will be a percentage of LGBT couples filing for a divorce. Same-sex couples who seek to get divorced face additional, complex issues that do not exist for straight couples who get divorced.

For example, while the state of New York recognizes gay marriage, our federal government, unfortunately, does not. This causes considerable trouble for the spouse seeking New York equitable distribution to, among other things, the other spouse’s federally defined benefit plans, such as federal pensions and retirement savings plans. Moreover, income tax returns may not be filed jointly and thus the equitable division of tax debts and refunds also become an important issue to resolve.

Only a skilled and experienced divorce attorney can protect and secure your rights in these matters. I have represented couples of all kinds for the last 30 years who are going through difficult family law matters. Please contact my office at 718-720-1000 for a free consultation.