Number of states in which same-sex marriage deemed legal grows

While same sex-marriage is currently recognized in the state of Massachusetts, readers are likely aware that this is not the case throughout the nation. Action recently taken by the U.S. Supreme Court may have gone a long way toward changing that.

In most cases, it is the decision of the court that makes law. In this case however, it could be the court’s refusal to hear cases from states where a ban is currently in place. That denial left officials in some of those states preparing to issue marriage licenses and many same-sex couples seeking marriage licenses.

The outcome of the denial is potentially even more wide spread. In addition to the five states impacted by the denial, it is possible that another six states could also soon be issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. This is because those states are located in the same circuits as those in which the prohibitions were initially struck down.

Many do not believe that this is the end of the same-sex debate in courts. It is expected that eventually the Supreme Court will accept a case regarding the matter for review and provide a final ruling.

In the meantime, residents of states where same-sex marriage is legal, continue to marry. As is the case with virtually any marriage, there is a chance that it will end in divorce. In these cases, it is important that spouses take action to leave the marriage in the best possible position. Accordingly, many choose to work with a divorce attorney.