Making It Legal: A Guide to Same-Sex Marriage, Domestic Partnership & Civil Unions (Making It Legal: A Guide to Same-Sex Marriage, Domestic)

The ultimate guide to the past, present, and future of same-sex relationship laws in the U.S.

Same-sex relationships are treated differently under each state's laws, and nearly a quarter of the U.S. population lives in a state with some form of legal recognition for same-sex couples. More than 85,000 same-sex couples have entered a legal relationship since 1997.

Making It Legal is the only book that offers a comprehensive review of all the issues that influence the decision to marry, breaks down the complex and ever-changing rules of same-sex relationship laws, and provides practical guidance on one of the most important decisions a couple can make.

Following a brief history of the same-sex marriage movement and a survey of the current legal landscape, Making It Legal discusses the important factors involved in the personal decision to marry along with the issues that every married couple may face:

Is a pre-nup advisable? What does it involve?

What happens when you want to file your taxes?

When is a will or a living trust needed?

What are the special needs of same-sex couples with kids?

When should you turn to professionals for help during disagreements?

How do you work with step-parents, past partners, and the blended family?

Nationally-recognized same-sex relationship law expert Attorney Frederick Hertz and Attorney Emily Doskow have written the ultimate guide to the ultimate decision — whether to enter into a marriage or other legal relationship with your same-sex partner.

Authored by a Frederick Hertz, a nationally recognized expert in same-sex relationship law, Making it Legal is a comprehensive, easy to understand guide to the past, present and future of same-sex law in America. The book offers lesbians and gay men a comprehensive review of all of the issues that influence the decision to marry and helps the reader navigate the complexity of same-sex laws and understand the newest legal options while providing practical guidance on how to make one of the most important decisions in ones lifetime.

Thinking of making it legal?

Marriage equality is on its way Full legal marriage is available in two U.S. states and Canada, and in a growing number of other states, same-sex couples can get all the rights and responsibilities of marriage by registering as domestic partners or civil union partners.

But is marriage right for you? Many same-sex couples are considering whether to take advantage of the new legal options-and there are unique questions that all same-sex couples should discuss before walking down the aisle. You need to know:

What are your state's rules about same-sex partnerships?

Will your marriage or registration be recognized if you relocate to another state?

If you marry in Connecticut, can you get divorced in Kansas?

What are the federal tax implications of getting married or registered?

How will marriage affect your family if you have-or plan to have-children?

Will you be responsible for your partner's debts if you're married?

What's on the horizon for same-sex relationships?

Making it Legal answers all of these questions and more-including helping you figure out whether you and your partner are truly marriage material. It's a practical, common sense guide to making one of the most important decisions of your life, and a must-read for every same-sex couple considering marriage-and every lawyer, financial adviser, therapist, family member, and friend helping them with their decision.