Massachusetts G.L.B.T. Law Blog
A discussion of the legal rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people and their families in Massachusetts.
Author: Christopher Vaughn-Martel is a solo practitioner in Quincy, Mass., and serves as a private pro bono attorney in connection with the Rape Survivors' Law Project at Boston's Victim Rights Law Center.
Blawg Related Categories: Civil Rights • States • Massachusetts • Solo / Small Firm
Recent Posts from Massachusetts G.L.B.T. Law Blog
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Washington Family’s Plight a Reminder of the Importance of GLBT Estate/Financial/Health Planning
As reported by the Miami Herald, a federal court in Miami has thrown out the lawsuit of a Washington State lesbian who was denied access to her dying partner at Jackson Memorial Hospital. On February…
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Marriage Alternatives and Contracts that Protect Same-Sex Couples
Both same-sex and opposite-sex couples in Massachusetts who choose marry are essentially entering into a binding contract with each other and the state. The state sets the terms of this marital contract, which dictates property…
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The Importance of Co-Parent Adoption
Adoption is the legal process by which a permanent and universally recognized familial relationship is established between an adult and a child who are not otherwise related. The distinguishing characteristic and legal requirement of a…
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5 Years After Landmark Goodridge Decision: Massachusetts has Lowest Divorce Rate in U.S.
As reported by Examiner.com, provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control’s National Vital Statistics Report show that Massachusetts has the lowest divorce rate of any state, and that the rate of divorce in Massachusetts…
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Ben & Jerry: A New Twist on an Old Favorite: “Hubby-Hubby” Ice Cream
As reported by the San Fransisco Gate, Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream has changed the name of its “Chubby Hubby” ice cream flavor to “Hubby Hubby” in celebration of Vermont’s recognition of marriage equality. Same-sex…
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The Homebuyer Tax Credit – What’s in it for Same-Sex Couples?
Congress has recently updated legislation as part of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act that gives qualifying first-time homebuyers a tax credit worth up to $8,000. The legislation adds Section 36 to the Internal Revenue…
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Newly Married Same-Sex Couples: State Law Revokes Your Will
According to current data, more than 12,000 same-sex couples have tied the knot since the recognition of marriage equality here in Massachusetts over 5 years ago. Prior to the change in law, same-sex couples were…