Love is love, but New York State law distinguishes between married couples and domestic partners when it comes to both rights and obligations.
In this special episode of his Family Matters vlog, partner Joseph Trotti, head of Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP’s Matrimonial and Family Law Practice and founding partner of the VMM Family InstituteSM, is joined by VMM managing partner and head of the LGBTQ Representation Practice, Joseph Milizio.
The Joes explain the legal differences between marriage and partnership; New York’s Domestic Relations Law vs. other states’ Common Law; the different financial obligations in case of divorce or separation, including maintenance (alimony), division of assets like property, joint bank accounts, pension, retirement accounts, and social security benefits; alternative options for unmarried couples, including designating beneficiaries, setting up special accounts, and the tax implications; differences in custody and child support obligations, including for nonbiological parents; survivor’s benefits, and the recent law allowing surviving partners of same-sex relationships whose partner died before they were legally able to marry to receive them.
From all of us at VMM, wishing you a happy Valentine’s Day!
