Divorce is difficult under any circumstance. However, the pain associated with divorce can be multiplied when legal proceedings cause a delay in finalizing the process. Two Maryland women are facing hardships because their divorce has been denied in a court of law. Because same sex marriage is illegal in the state, a judge chose to deny the divorce of the women, who had been legally married in California.
One of the women seeking the divorce told reporters that she believes the ruling is unfair. She argues that she has every legal right to protect her assets just as any other individual seeking divorce has the right to do. Unfortunately, courts have remained divided in their rulings when it comes to same sex divorce in the state.
Some government officials believe that Maryland should recognize same sex marriages that were legally performed in other states. Others believe that the state should stick to its own legal standards. Either way, a delay or denial in the divorce proceedings could prove costly to the estranged couple.
Because of the current situation, the pair is unable to move forward into the next chapter of their lives. The women are faced with the challenge of trying to move on while still being considered legally married. One of the women expressed concerns that, should either of them wish to be legally married again, they’d be unable to do so. She went on to state that she lives, works and owns a home in Maryland, but she says the courts are preventing her from protecting that home and moving on with her life.
Couples facing divorce often find the emotional strain to be overwhelming. Unfortunately for these two women, an additional legal hurdle is causing even more distress. The couple is hoping that the Maryland Special Court of Appeals will soon finally bring their marriage to a close.
Unfortunately for these two women, an additional legal hurdle is causing even more distress. The couple is hoping that the Maryland Special Court of Appeals will soon finally bring their marriage to a close.
Source: wamu.org, “Same-Sex Divorce Considered In Maryland Courts,” Armando Trull, 16 June 2011
