June’s U.S. Supreme Court decision on same-sex marriage changed a great many things here in Texas. One of the biggest changes is that, since the decision, same-sex couples have been able to get a legally recognized marriage in the state, something that was previously denied to them under state law.
How many same-sex couples are now exercising their right to get married in the state? According to state estimates, quite a few.
The state has estimated that, of all the marriage licenses issued in Texas since the U.S. Supreme Court decision, almost 6 percent have been to same-sex couples. This is around 2,500 same-sex marriage licenses.
Thus, it appears that there are quite a few newly married same-sex couples here in Texas.
This is an exciting time for many same-sex couples here in Texas, as there are Texas same-sex partners out there who have been waiting a long time to be able to get married here in their home state. In the midst of all this excitement though, it is important for same-sex couples who have gotten married in the state to not ignore legal matters related to their marriage.
For one, it can be very important for married same-sex couples to understand what legal rights they have as a married couple in the state, so they can know if their rights are in fact being respected. Also, while it may seem unromantic, it can be important for same-sex married couples, just like any other married couple, to think about whether they want to make any legal preparations for the possibility of a future divorce, such as having a post-nuptial agreement. Additionally, with the relative newness of same-sex marriage here in Texas, it could be possible for unexpected legal issues regarding same-sex marriage to arise down the road.
Texas family law attorneys can provide guidance to newly married same-sex partners in Texas when it comes to legal issues related to marriage and other family law matters.
Source: The Dallas Morning News, “2,500 same-sex marriage licenses issued in Texas, state estimates,” Sept. 13, 2015