Same Sex Marriage, What It Really Means

The Family Divorce Mediation Council presented the program, “Same Sex Marriage-What It Really Means” as part of their continuing education series, on January 12. The program was held at the NYC Bar Association and was presented by Teresa Calabrese, J.D., Katie Cole, Esq., Mark Josephson, Esq., CPA, CFP, and Joy Rosenthal, Esq.The presenters reviewed the recently enacted New York Marriage Equality Act and the law’s impact on same sex couples, with particular focus on tax and financial consequences and parenting issues that arise.

The Federal law does not recognize same sex marriages and as a result same sex couples who are legally married in New York are not entitled to many federal entitlements that opposite sex couples may be eligible for. On January 20th, Mayor Bloomberg made the trip to Washington, D.C. to advocate for federal adoption of same sex marriages.

The New York State Mediation Council will be showcasing their organization along with the FDMC during the weekend of March 31 at the Starting Over Smart Divorce Expo in New York City. Come learn how divorce mediation can be a better option for your family.

###

This post/event recap was submitted by Helene Bernstein,Esq. Co-Chair of the Public Awareness Committee for the New York State Mediation Council. Follow her at @bernsteinhelene