Tag Archive for: same-sex marriage

How To End A Civil Union in New Jersey

ending a civil union Almost a decade ago in October of 2006, the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled in the case Lewis v. Harris that banning same-sex couples from the rights and benefits of marriage violated the constitutional promise of equality. The Court gave the New Jersey Legislature a deadline of 180 days to correct the violation, which prompted the legislature to create the separate status of civil unions. Under New Jersey’s new law, a civil union was legally recognized union of two individuals of the same sex.

Today, of course, same-sex marriage is the law of the land in the US, but many couples are still in these civil unions . And, like any couple who experiences differences in their relationship and is choosing to end it, couples who are in civil unions need advice on how to dissolve their civil unions. Read more

Irreconcilable Differences Grounds for Dissolution of NJ Civil Unions, Court Rules

Judges wooden gavel in court

When same-sex couples entered into civil unions in New Jersey make the decision to end their relationships, they have the same rights as divorcing married couples to file for their dissolution on the “no-fault” grounds of irreconcilable differences, a New Jersey trial judge ruled in an opinion released this week. Read more

What Happens to Your Civil Union When You Marry?

With same-sex marriage now legal in New Jersey for a little over a week, questions have been popping up concerning some of the finer points of couples obtaining marriage licenses, especially those already in civil unions or domestic partnerships. Here are some common questions we’ve been hearing: Read more

Judge: Gay Couples in New Jersey Can Marry As Early As October 21

Update 10/2/2013: New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie will seek to delay the October 21 date set for same-sex marriage to start and wants the state Supreme Court to fast-track an appeal in the case, according to a letter sent to the justices today by acting state Attorney General John Hoffman.

Same-sex marriage could be legal New Jersey as early as October 21, according to the historic ruling handed down Friday by Judge Mary Jacobson of State Superior Court in Mercer County. Read more

After DOMA, Now What? A New Jersey Perspective

lgbtq marriage and parenting rights

The U.S. Supreme Court’s striking down of a key part of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) has given new energy and fuel to forces within the state working to legalize same-sex marriage in New Jersey. In the last week, two important developments have developed that seem to have the state edging closer to making changes concerning this issue. Read more

New Jersey Senate President Weighs in on Gay Divorce

After a remarkable about-turn in the New Jersey Senate last week (in which a bill approving gay marriage was passed by a majority vote), both sides of the political spectrum have begun to weigh in on the legislation and its possible repercussions. Read more

New Jersey Senate Waves Rainbow Flag, Approves Same-Sex Marriage

lgbtq marriage and parenting rights

New Jersey has taken the next big step forward towards passing legislation that legalizes gay marriage. On Monday (appropriately, the day before Valentine’s), the state Senate passed a bill creating an environment of equality for same-sex couples throughout the state. New Jersey is moving forward to join the ranks of the six U.S. States (and Washington, D.C.) that already allow same-sex marriage.

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