Are there any legal recognition of same-sex marriages?
In Texas, same-sex marriages are not legally recognized. This is due to the Texas Constitution, which defines marriage as only between one man and one woman. In 2015, a U.S. Supreme Court ruling, Obergefell v. Hodges, extended the right for same-sex couples to be legally married in all states. However, Texas has not recognized this ruling and continues to only recognize marriages between one man and one woman. While same-sex marriage is not legally recognized in Texas, there are still some forms of legal recognition available for same-sex couples. One way a same-sex couple can receive legal recognition is through designating each other as beneficiaries in wills and trusts. Additionally, same-sex couples may be able to register as domestic partners in certain municipalities in Texas. Although these forms of legal recognition are not as comprehensive as marriage, they can provide couples with some legal protections. In recent years, Texas has seen some shifts in its marriage laws. For example, the United States Supreme Court struck down a Texas law restrictive same-sex marriage in 2017. This was a positive step forward, though full marriage equality is still far from becoming a reality in the state. It is possible that, in time, Texas may move to recognize same-sex marriages, however it is impossible to say when or if this will happen.
Related FAQs
Are there any tax penalties for getting married?How does marriage affect a couple’s health insurance coverage?
What is a common law divorce?
Are there any laws regarding step-parent adoption in my state?
What are the legal implications of living together before marriage?
What is the process for filing for an annulment?
Are there any tax benefits to a married couple filing jointly?
Are there any tax benefits to being married?
What is the process for changing a name after marriage?
Are there any restrictions for couples to change their last name?
Related Blog Posts
Navigating Changes to Marriage Law: What You Need to Know - July 31, 2023Resolving Disputes: Strategies for Effective Marriage Law Negotiations - August 7, 2023
Cohabitation Agreements: What Couples Need to Know About Marriage Laws - August 14, 2023
Common Pitfalls of Marriage Law: What You Should Avoid - August 21, 2023
Marriage Law in the 21st Century: What You Should Know - August 28, 2023