Dissolution of Civil Unions and Domestic Partnerships in Pennsylvania:

Jerner Law Group, P.C. successfully argued to the Pennsylvania Superior Court that civil unions are the functional equivalent of marriages in the case, Neyman v. Buckley. Civil union dissolution cases in Pennsylvania should now proceed under the same laws and procedures as divorces through the family courts. However, there are still differences between civil unions and marriages as to how they are treated under federal law and this may implicate federal tax laws, retirement accounts, social security benefits that may arise in divorce. If you entered a civil union or domestic partnership prior to marrying or have only a civil union or domestic partnership and wish to dissolve that status, you should consult an attorney with particular experience in addressing the legal implications of these legal relationships.

Divorce of Same-Sex Spouses in Pennsylvania:

Divorcing same-sex couples now have access to the Pennsylvania courts and will have all the same rights and obligations of married couples under Pennsylvania law.

If you married in another state, you do not need to “re-marry” in Pennsylvania. In fact, re-marrying may create problems if there is ever a divorce because the length of the marriage is one of the most important factors in determining alimony and division of property.

Divorcing same-sex couples may encounter complex issues upon divorce. For example, where the length of the relationship is substantially longer than the length of the marriage because a couple was denied entry into that legal relationship for many years, special consideration may need to be given to issues of alimony and equitable distribution, both of which are affected by the length of the marriage. It is important to work with an attorney experienced in addressing these challenging issues.