Issues That Same Sex Couples Face in Minnesota

While same sex marriage is not legal in Minnesota, some cities have domestic partnership ordinances. These ordinances allow same sex couples [as well as opposite sex couples who meet the criteria] the opportunity to legally recognize their relationship in specific areas, such as by obtaining employer benefits for their partners.

Because this is done on a municipal level, there are state issues, such as adoption or inheritance, that are outside the province of this type of recognition. Although state law does not treat same sex couples in the same manner as it does heterosexual married couples, a family law attorney experienced in working with same sex couples can explain how the laws affect you.

For those same sex couples in committed domestic relationships, our attorneys at Banas Family Law, P.A., can work on creating and drafting a cohabitation agreement. This type of agreement sets out the parameters of the relationship. It will delineate the financial resources of the parties, and create a plan of action for the management of those resources. It can also be used to set up a plan for equitable distribution of those assets in the even that the domestic relationship ends.

But this type of agreement is not solely created for financial reasons. It can also set out, plainly, important decisions made by the partners on family issues such as child rearing and end of life choices. By having these matters considered and determined ahead of time, domestic partners are able to work through some of the more difficult decision making processes during a less emotional time.

At Banas Family Law, P.A., our Twin Cities family law attorneys understand that every family is unique. We are familiar with the issues facing our same sex clients. We believe in working with our clients, explaining the ramifications of the law in order to get them the best possible results.