MARRIAGE EQUALITY IN VIRGINIA FOR SAME-SEX COUPLES:
On October 6, 2014, the Supreme Court denied review of seven Federal
Circuit Court rulings (from the Tenth, Seventh, and Fourth Circuits)
that held state bans on same-sex marriage violated the U.S.
Constitution. In denying review, the Supreme Court has effectively
allowed those favorable rulings to stand. This means Virginia will soon be added to the list of states allowing same-sex marriage and that the stay previously issued will be lifted very soon, if not today.
What does this mean for Virginia residents? The decision of the Fourth
Circuit Federal Court of Appeals will stand and same sex marriages will
now be performed in and recognized in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
This decision has important impact on both couples who were married previously in jurisdictions other than Virginia and on couples now considering marriage in Virginia. Consider consulting a family law attorney to be sure you understand your rights that come with this landmark development.
