Many same-sex couples who saw their civil unions legalized in Colorado on May 1 have now filed for dissolution. While same-sex marriages are not recognized in Colorado, civil unions are. That also means dissolutions are, too, and with that means the consequences of such breakups must be, as well. This might include property division, child custody, child support and alimony.
The first openly gay Speaker of the House in Colorado, Mark Ferrandino, said that you can’t have civil unions and marriages without divorces. He also said that because Colorado now legally recognizes same-sex civil unions, there must also be a process when a relationship ends. This is especially important when children are involved. Ferrandino said before the law was passed allowing same-sex civil unions, it all depended on the judge and whatever documents the couple had as to how a same-sex couple separated. With a civil union now legal and recognized, a separation can now be done orderly and with legal assurances.
The cases that are now pending are of two distinct types: couples whose unions were recognized in other states and couples whose unions were recognized since May 1 in Colorado that have since decided to go their separate ways. There have been about 1,000 civil unions in Colorado since the same-sex civil union law went into effect on May 1.
Kevin Lundberg, a Republican State Representative who opposed the law, said he felt the seven dissolutions for the 1,000 civil unions was “kind of a big number.” He also said he “can’t even imagine someone taking such a significant step in their life and then immediately reversing course.” He also said expects the dissolutions of same-sex unions to become an economic boom for Colorado divorce lawyers, not just civil unions being a boom for the state economy as same-sex supporters have said.
With same-sex civil unions will come some dissolutions and if you need representation, contact an experienced attorney. You must ensure your rights are protected, especially if there are family law matters involved, such as child custody, child support or alimony. A family law attorney will be able to advise you and give you options you may not know you legally have.
Source: dailycaller.com, “The flip side of Colorado’s new civil union law: same-sex divorce” Greg Campbell, Jul. 09, 2013