Articles

Wedding Tips for Same Sex Couples

By Robin Roshkind, Esquire | Family Law Attorney | West Palm Beach, Florida 
www.lawyers.com/roshkindlaw  | Telephone: (561) 509-5450

Psychologists will tell you that for any serious relationship to work, boundaries must be established and followed. This is automatically done and most often done without words or even realizing what is happening.  For example, a partner might say to himself or herself, "I know my partner likes to sleep late so I'll be quiet when I get out of bed," without even realizing it.  With boundaries, the partnership works.

The same is true of the legalities of the relationship.  Legal boundaries must be established in order for the partnership to work.  Legal boundaries are established with knowledge, intent, and agreement of the parties.

Issues same sex partners need to address include the following:  What am I bringing into the relationship that is solely mine; what is my partner bringing into the relationship that is solely his or hers; what are we purchasing together that is going to be owned 50/50, 60/40 or whatever; are we going to keep separate bank accounts and credit cards; are we going to have a joint bank account or credit card; who will pay for the telephone, who will pay for the electric bill.  These are some examples of what needs to be agreed upon in a partnership.

The issues should be addressed in writing much like a pre-nuptial agreement for heterosexual couples that are contemplating marriage.  In this way, if the partnership breaks up, the parties know beforehand just what their rights and obligations are.  This helps to avoid costly court battles and ill will should either partner decide a spit up is in his or her best interest.