California Same-Sex Marriage

If you need advice about California’s new recognition of same-sex marriages, contact the Bay Area same sex marriage attorneys at Bradshaw & Associates. We can give you the advice and procedural guidance you need to protect your interests, advance your relationship goals, and advise you of the legal consequences.

Getting Married. Marriage is a serious legal and personal commitment that should not be entered into lightly. Before getting married same sex couples should educate themselves about the legal consequences and other considerations of marriage. Same sex couples who are currently registered domestic partners are free to decide whether or not they wish to marry, remain as domestic partners, or maintain both statuses. Importantly, a period of uncertainty regarding same-sex marriages is likely. Also, if you are in the process of adopting a child or planning to do so, you should be aware of the implications of marriage on the adoption process for same-sex couples. If you are not sure of the different methods of legally recognizing your relationship, and the consequences, the same sex marriage attorneys at Bradshaw & Associates, P.C. can advise you.

Binational Couples and Immigration. Immigration is governed exclusively by federal law, which currently discriminates against married same-sex couples by refusing to recognize your marriages for purposes of any federal rights or benefits, including the right to petition to have a non-U.S. citizen spouse become a permanent legal resident. Same-sex couples in binational relationships should consult a same-sex marriage attorney at Bradshaw & Associates, P.C. before getting married in California or another jurisdiction.

Federal Law. Current federal law prohibits the federal government from recognizing marriages of same-sex couples for the purposes of many federal rights and benefits given to married heterosexual couples in areas such as federal income taxation, social security benefits, and insurance. Additionally, getting married can be harmful for members of the Armed Forces because of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. We at Bradshaw & Associates, P.C. can give you advice regarding the hardships and legal problems you will encounter because of the differences between federal and state laws.

Divorce. The only legal way to end a marriage, whether between same-sex couples or heterosexual couples, is divorce. Half of all heterosexual marriages end in divorce, so you shouldn’t expect same-sex marriages to be immune to problems. States have different laws regarding same-sex divorces, which our family law attorneys can help you navigate. Our primary objective in representing divorce clients is to help you get through this difficult experience as quickly and painlessly as possible, while at the same time making sure that your core interests and goals are fully protected. For additional information about our ability to represent you in a divorce case, contact the San Francisco divorce lawyers at Bradshaw & Associates.

For a free consultation about your newly recognized right to marry your same-sex partner, contact a San Francisco gay marriage lawyer at Bradshaw & Associates.

The California landlord-tenant law attorneys at Bradshaw & Associates advise and represent clients about Bay Area rent board petitions and proceedings, residential real estate rentals and leases, divorce and family law issues, new business formation and entity selection, business and commercial transactions, and business or real estate litigation. Our San Francisco child support lawyers serve clients throughout the Bay Area, including Oakland, Berkeley, South San Francisco, Daly City, San Rafael, Alameda County, Contra Costa County, San Mateo County, and Marin County.