Today is a momentous day! The Supreme Court announced that
the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) caused "injury and indignity" to
same-sex couples, and struck it down. The entire opinion is available here.
Glickman Turley LLP is cheering this decision, and we are thrilled that
the Supreme Court chose the right result. We are ready to help you
through the legal impacts on your life!
This ruling will have great impact on many people's lives, and here are just a few of the ways:
Federal taxes:
Now, same-sex couples will be able to get all the same marriage-related
benefits and tax opportunities available to opposite-sex couples. This
is what Edie Windsor's case was about--
she was contesting the fact that she had to pay estate taxes on the
money her wife willed to her, when an opposite-sex spouse would have
gotten an exemption based on marriage. Call us to discuss your estate plan and to investigate the ways this ruling may change it.
Immigration:
One of the easiest ways to get a green card is through marriage to a
U.S. citizen. Previously, same-sex couples could not qualify for this.
Now, same-sex spouses of U.S. citizens should be eligible to apply for
legal permanent resident status and eventually citizenship, the same as
opposite-sex spouses of U.S. citizens. Glickman Turley lawyers are
excited to help you and your same-sex spouse file for a family-based immigration visa.
Government benefits:
Now, same-sex spouses will be able to receive government benefits
available to opposite-sex spouses, such as veteran's benefits and Social
Security survivor benefits.
Adoptions:
Unfortunately, this opinion may not do much to change the requirement
that same-sex spouses must adopt their own children. Glickman Turley has
years of experience with co-parent adoptions, and we can still advise you on this process.
Visit this WaPo poll to voice your opinion and see others' reasons for cheering the decision!
Contact us today to discuss the changes this opinion may have on your life.