Judge denies same-sex marriage petition in Florida

On behalf of Furr & Cohen, P.A. posted in Divorce on Friday, May 23, 2014.

With the increase in same-sex marriages, it stands to reason that some same-sex couples will file for divorce. Same-sex couples who live in Florida are meeting resistance from the courts about dissolving the unions made in other jurisdiction that do allow for same-sex marriages. The most recent blow to the same-sex marriage and divorce debate involves a Hillsborough Circuit Court judge who says that the same-sex couple’s marriage isn’t valid and can’t be dissolved.

This case involves two women who were married in Massachusetts in 2010. The following year, the couple moved to Florida. The women have agreed to divorce terms but need a judge to finalize the divorce. One of the women says they knew they would be in for a lengthy wait to try to get the divorce but adds that they are disappointed in the ruling.

The attorney for one of the women says that he expects the attorney general to get involved now to defend the circuit court judge’s ruling. Despite that expectation, the women plan to push forward until they find a way to dissolve their marriage.

Lawyers for the two women say they will appeal to the Second District Court of Appeal. The attorney for one of the women says that they will take it to the Florida Supreme Court if necessary. He also says that they are confident one of those courts will grant the divorce.

Anyone who is facing a divorce probably knows how complex the divorce system can be in some cases. Knowing the applicable laws and determining the proper course of action is necessary to ensure that a proper divorce settlement is reached.

Source: The Tampa Tribune, “Tampa judge won’t grant gay divorce” José Patiño Girona, May. 12, 2014