Hi there, The Supreme Court announces today whether or not they are going to take up a challenge to the Defense of Marriage Act in a case arising out of Social Security benefits. As promised, here is a different point of view to last week’s post. This one is authored by my partner Lisa Cukier, one… Continue Reading
Category Archives: Court Decisions
Subscribe to Court Decisions RSS FeedDefense of Marriage Act and Social Security
Posted in Court Decisions, Same Sex MarriageHi there, An important date in the DOMA battle is coming up soon. On November 30, the Supreme Court will announce whether it will be taking up the matter in its next term. In light of that, there is considerable discussion of what gay and lesbian married couples should do to maximize their rights should DOMA… Continue Reading
Civil Unions Equivalent to Marriage
Posted in Civil Unions, Court Decisions, Gay MarriageHi there, Yesterday the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court decided to treat Civil Unions like marriage. My colleague, Robin Lynch Nardone has some thoughts on this. Best, Nancy A civil union may not be the same as a marriage, but in the eyes of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, it is. The SJC has ruled that… Continue Reading
Divorce Valuation Rules Reaffirmed
Posted in Court DecisionsHi there, Today the Massachusetts Appeals Court (the second highest court in the state) overturned a divorce judgment in the Caveney case dealing with valuation of interests in closely held businesses. In the process they clarified the standard to be used for divorce purposes in valuations. Before the Bernier case in 2007, valuations of closely… Continue Reading
New Law on Marital Agreements
Posted in Court DecisionsHi there, Today the Supreme Judicial Court rendered its decision in the case which has set the standard for marital agreements in Massachusetts. I was counsel for the wife in the appeal with my partners, Susan Stenger and Robin Lynch Nardone. We did not try the underlying case. The judgment is very bittersweet for us because… Continue Reading