GayWeddings.com

Hi there! My partner and I have a question about some legalities concerning Vermont...

Here's the deal: my partner had a civil union in Vermont with her ex-partner. They aren't together anymore (obviously), but Vermont won't allow you to dissolve your civil union unless you live there for a year. We live in Washington state, and aren't going to move to Vermont just so she can officially dissolve her prior civil union. Washington state doesn't recognize the prior Vermont union, so she can't have it dissolved in our state. We're starting to plan our ceremony and do some legal paperwork to cover our butts, but...how covered ARE we really? We haven't had any luck trying to get a conclusive answer from any of the lawyers we've talked to, so I'm posing the question here: is this anything you've encountered? What did you do to make sure your current relationship is protected?

Thanks.

Wow, MollyBennett --

A tough situation! I know your post occurred some weeks ago... How did it turn out? Did you get an answer or move forward with your paperwork.

We always advise couples to consult with a lawyer in their area before moving forward on any civil union or marriage. There are so many murky waters out there that it's easy to end up in a situation like yours.

Have you consulted with any lawyers who specialize in gay family law? I know a great one in the DC area who may have some insights, but not relative to Washington State.

You might also contact some gay-friendly lawyers in VT. I can't imagine that you are the first couple to ask these questions so perhaps someone there might have some insights for you?

I'm no lawyer, but it strikes me that if the VT civil union isn't recognized in your home state, then her ex-partner could make little claim. Every case can always be a precedent, however, so I hope that you'll find some way to resolve this.

Please keep us posted!