There are many same-sex couples here in Texas who desire to get married. However, given the current state of Texas law on the matter, such couples are unable to marry here. This can leave such couples looking for alternatives.
One alternative that some Texas same-sex couples pursue is getting married in a state that does permit same-sex marriages. One place that has become something of a marriage hot spot for Texas same-sex couples lately is Oklahoma.
Same-sex marriage became legal in Oklahoma on Oct. 6, 2014. Since that time, there have been quite a few Texas same-sex couples who have trekked to this neighboring state to get married. This can be seen is some marriage license numbers from one Oklahoma county, Love County. Texas same-sex couples made up 58 percent of the 137 couples that received a marriage license in the county in the 139 days following Oct. 6, 2014.
It is very important for Texas same-sex couples who have gotten married in Oklahoma or other states where same-sex marriage is allowed to be mindful that there are currently some severe limitations when it comes to the legal effects of the marriage they received. While the marriage will be recognized in states where same-sex marriage is legal, it will not be recognized here in Texas. Thus, here in Texas, even with an out-of-state marriage license, a same sex-couple will not have access to the state legal mechanisms that are reserved for married couples, such as divorce.
Thus, Texas same-sex couples who have gotten married in other states still face significant challenges when it comes to family law matters here in Texas. Family law attorneys can work with such couples to find creative ways to address and resolve family law matters that arise for them.
Source: KVUE, “Texas same-sex couples go to Oklahoma to marry,” Jason Wheeler, Feb. 21, 2015