Burns & Levinson LLP Asks, If Gay Marriage is Coming, What Does Gay Divorce Look Like? A Lot Needs to be Worked Out, But 'Gay Custody' Cases are Already Pointing the Way.

Business Editors & Legal Writers

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 5, 2002

Just as With Straight Divorce, Who Gets the Kids (And Assets) is Key

While only Vermont currently allows legal civil unions between same-sex couples, the growth in same-sex adoption means that related issues such as custody and child support are setting precedents that may ultimately dictate much of gay marital law down the road, according to domestic law experts at Burns & Levinson LLP.

As has been the case with paternity suits and courts' treatment of children born out of wedlock, the legal process, not state legislatures, is driving change in gay marital law.

Nancy Van Tine, a partner in Burns & Levinson LLP's Divorce and Family Law Group, can discuss:

-- How, in the absence of legislative mandates, issues such as custody and child support are defining "gay divorce" in many states.

-- Why the law is largely gender-neutral when it comes to treatment of children in marriages or other unions, whether straight or gay.

-- How Massachusetts courts are treating "gay divorce" issues.

-- Why "gay alimony" is more difficult to address in the absence of children.

-- How gay couples are using variants of prenuptial agreements to deal with questions of control of assets and inheritance issues.

Burns & Levinson LLP (www.burnslevinson.com) is a full-service law firm serving international corporations, middle-market companies, emerging businesses and individuals. For over 40 years we have continued to build relationships with and for our clients. Based in Boston, Burns & Levinson also has offices in Providence, RI and Washington, D.C.