Love is Love

“No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice and family.  In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than once they were.”  Justice Anthony M. Kennedy wrote for the majority in the historic decision; “No longer may this liberty be denied.”

Whereas New York legalized same-sex marriage in 2011, same-sex marriage has now become a reality in the remaining thirteen states that had continued to ban it.  In a long-sought victory for the gay rights movement, the Supreme Court ruled by a 5-4 vote on Friday that the Constitution guarantees a right to same-sex marriage.  This decision, which was the culmination of decades of litigation and activism, set off triumph across the country.  The police allowed hundreds of people waving rainbow flags and holding signs to advance onto the court plaza as those present for the decision streamed down the steps.

Justice Kennedy rooted the ruling in a fundamental right to marriage.  Of special importance to couples, he said, is raising children.  “Without the recognition, stability and predictability marriage offers,” he wrote, “their children suffer the stigma of knowing their families are somehow lesser.  They also suffer the significant material costs of being raised by unmarried parents, relegated through no fault of their own to a more difficult and uncertain family life.  The marriage laws at issue here thus harm and humiliate the children of same-sex couples.”  The best interest of the children is always of utmost priority.  As such, children should never bear any burden of marriage, or of divorce.

Are you considering filing for divorce or separation?  When a couple decides to dissolve their marriage, there are many aspects that need to be addressed including child custody and financial support, parenting time/visitation, spousal support and equitable distribution, to name a few.  These are subjects that Jay D. Raxenberg, P.C. has gained a great deal of experience in over the last two decades in Supreme and Family Court in the tri-state area.  Mr. Raxenberg has extensive training, knowledge and experience in this area of the law and is dedicated to providing exceptional compassionate legal representation to all of his clients.  Please call (516) 491-0565 or toll free at (888) 543-4867 to arrange your initial complimentary consultation.