New Jersey Civil Union Attorneys
New Jersey Domestic Partnership Lawyers
On January 12, 2004, the State of New Jersey passed the Domestic Partnership Act. This Act recognized that same-sex couples have mutually supportive relationships akin to a marriage, and although it granted same-sex couples certain rights and benefits, it did not provide for an entitlement of support or the sharing of property upon the dissolution of the relationship.
On October 25, 2006, in the case of Lewis v. Harris, the Supreme Court of New Jersey ruled that same-sex couples must be afforded the same rights and benefits enjoyed by married, opposite-sex couples. The Court gave the Legislature 180 days to either change the New Jersey marriage statutes or to enact a separate, statutory structure that would provide same-sex couples with the same rights and privileges as those afforded to married,
On December 14, 2006, the New Jersey Legislature passed a bill legalizing civil unions. The bill took effect on February 19, 2007, at which point domestic partnerships were no longer offered to same-sex couples. It should be noted, however, that the State of New Jersey continues to recognize domestic partnerships in existence prior to the enactment of civil union laws.
The Lum Firm recognizes the various issues that may arise in connection with civil unions. Such issues include health care determinations, dissolution, custody, parenting time, alimony, business valuations, and adoptions. The Lum Firm understands that the laws pertaining to civil unions in the State of New Jersey are in their early stages and that clients may have questions relating to their respective rights and obligations as it pertains to their current relationship. Because we work to create on-going relationships with our clients, we continually support them if their alimony, child support, child custody, or visitation agreements merit renegotiation or modification.
In addition to handling dissolutions of civil unions and related actions, our attorneys provide information to help clients to face the various legal issues which may arise in the context of a civil union. We understand that our clients require knowledgeable and reliable counsel to provide honest and effective advice and to zealously advocate for their rights. We treat our clients with the respect and empathy they deserve during these complex family situations.
We provide on-going matrimonial law representation that includes advocating for the full rights and benefits afforded to civil union couples. The attorneys at the Lum Firm have expertise in evaluating matrimonial law claims, including those claims asserted by same-sex couples.
Contact our New Jersey lawyers for quality and experienced assistance.
