A Sad History: Same-Sex Struggles

 Posted on October 22, 2015 in Same Sex Marriage

For most of this nation’s history, same-sex couples have not been given the opportunity to have their relationships legally recognized. While same-sex marriage was officially recognized nationwide earlier this year, for most couples, their relationship means more than a marriage license or a ceremony. It means a shared life together, complete with the rights to inheritances and property enjoyed by heterosexual married couples. A story in the New York Times this week, however, is a grim reminder of the struggles that so many faced for so long.

Partner Adoptions

The article recounts the story of a gay man from San Francisco who was living in New York in 1977 when he met a man with whom he quickly fell in love. The couple remained together for the next ten years until the death of one partner, the year before the words "gay marriage" appeared in the New York Times for the first time.

In 1982, about halfway through their partnership, the pair wanted to establish some sort of legal bond to ensure inheritance rights and other privileges. With limited options, the older partner successfully adopted the couple’s younger half through the complicated adult adoption process then required by the state of New York. The decision proved to be a wise one, despite the difficulty, as the older partner soon fell ill. As the legally-recognized next of kin, the younger man was permitted visitation privileges by the hospital, and eventually was named executor of the older man’s will. Neither of these would have been likely if they had not created a legal relationship of some sort.

Changing World

Today, due to a drastically evolved social consciousness, adult adoptions of same-sex romantic partners is no longer necessary. Same-sex couples now have the same rights to marriage and property as heterosexual couples, and while some parts of the country struggle to adjust to the reality, it is here to stay.

If you and your partner are considering marriage, whether you are in a same-sex or opposite sex relationship, the experienced Arlington Heights family law attorneys at A. Traub & Associates can help you be better prepared. We can provide legal advice, help draft prenuptial agreements, and answer any questions you may have related to marriage and family law in the state. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at one of our two office locations and get they responsible legal counsel you need as you make an important decision in your life.

Sources:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-supreme-court-gay-marriage-ruling-met-20150626-story.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/19/magazine/the-lost-history-of-gay-adult-adoption.html