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

Both Hertz and Doskow have significant experience as attorneys working with and assisting the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities. This text, now in its second edition, serves as a reference book for same-sex couples--and the professionals assisting them--on the state of laws across the United States governing gay marriage, domestic partnerships, and civil unions. The subject matter is not limited to the law however, as the text also touches on the emotional and philosophical questions of marriage and finding a lifelong partner. Ten chapters cover topics ranging from whether to create a prenuptial agreement to estate planning for same-sex couples. A useful set of appendices includes an updated chart of the different forms of relationship recognition in each of the 50 states, a list of legal, financial, and personal resources for those interested in same-sex marriage, and a multiple-choice marriage license test designed to test readers' knowledge of the legal consequences of marriage. Annotation ©2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Nationally recognized same-sex relationship law expert attorney Hertz and attorney Doskow have written the ultimate guide to the past, present, and future of same-sex relationship laws in the U.S. Original.

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.