A Guide to Marriage In Washington State

Now that same-sex couples will be allowed to marry in the state of Washington, there are a lot of questions about the procedures.

When can we obtain a marriage license?  Starting on December 6, 2012.  Marriages can begin on December 9, 2012.

How does the new marriage law impact a couple’s Domestic Partner status?  It terminates if you get married but if you choose not to do the whole marriage license thing, it will automatically convert to marriage on June 30, 2014.

Those are the simple basic answers to the 2 most common questions.  For more information on the topic, I refer to you a wonderful fact sheet with lots of Q & A’s by QLAW (Washington GLBT Bar Association).  Read :  Marriage Equality in Washington!

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Disclaimer: The information, comments and links posted on the blog do not constitute legal advice. I will not respond to any specific legal questions in the comments section of this blog.  Read my entire disclaimer.

Orlando Approves Domestic Partner Registry

Late Monday afternoon, the Orlando, Florida City Council voted unanimously to enact a domestic partnership registry.  Lesbian and gay couples may begin registering on January 12, 2012.  The $30 fee will give same-sex couples the right to visit each other in the hospital or jail, to make health care decisions for an incapacitated partner and to make funeral plans. Note that the registry would apply only to hospitals, funeral homes and other institutions located within the Orlando city limits. Couples who are not from Orlando proper are also free to register. Orange County, Florida, is considering enacting a similar registry.

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Disclaimer: The information, comments and links posted on the blog do not constitute legal advice. I will not respond to any specific legal questions in the comments section of this blog.  Read my entire disclaimer.

copyright 2011 Irene C. Olszewski

Rhode Island Governor Vetoes Bill Giving Domestic Patners Right to Claim Partner’s Body …

Huh?

Rhode Island’s Governor Donald L. Carcieri vetoed a bill giving domestic partners the right to claim the bodies of — and make funeral arrangements for — their partners.

The governor wrote the following in his veto message:

“This bill represents a disturbing trend over the past few years of the incremental erosion of the principles surrounding traditional marriage, which is not the preferred way to approach this issue.”

“If the General Assembly believes it would like to address the issue of domestic partnerships, it should place the issue on the ballot and let the people of the state of Rhode Island decide.”

This is just what the LGBT community needs … another excuse to put an important issue to the voters … and let hysteria rule yet again. Is this type of logic getting old or am I?

Read H2594: An Act Relating to Business & Professions — Funeral Director/Embalmer Funeral Service Establishments. [Pay particular attention to section 2].

Read: Carcieri Vetos Bill Allowing Partners to Plan Funerals. [Source: Providence Journal]

Note that even before Connecticut legalized civil union and same-sex marriage, the legislature passed a statute — that while NOT specific to lesbian and gay couples or domestic partners of opposite sexes — allowed a person to name another person who is not related by blood, to claim the deceased’s body and make funeral arrangements. Connecticut also allows same-sex couples to execute a host of other legal documents of protection.

Cudos to Connecticut lawmakers.

Two thumbs down to Rhode Island’s Governor Donald L. Carcieri.