Everyone Talks Gay Marriage. DiPietro Family Law Talks Gay Divorce.

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The Legalization of Same-Sex Marriage in Virginia

Since October 6, 2014, same-sex marriage has been legally recognized in Virginia, following a decision by the Supreme Court. This not only allowed same-sex marriages to be performed in Virginia but also ensured that marriages performed out of state were recognized in Virginia. Many same-sex couples, who had long awaited the opportunity to marry, took the chance quickly — often with great excitement and celebration.

The Rise of Gay Divorce

Unfortunately, a number of these couples also got divorced shortly afterward. For critics of gay marriage, this seemed to support their argument that same-sex relationships are not as strong as heterosexual ones. However, there are significant factors that challenge this assumption.

Social Pressure to Marry

Marriage has long been a social expectation in heterosexual relationships, with pressure often building as relationships progress. For same-sex couples, after years of activism and the fight for marriage equality, the pressure was magnified. With marriage equality achieved, there was an unspoken question hanging over many same-sex couples: “When are you going to tie the knot?”

This pressure led some couples, not quite ready for marriage, to rush into it. Similar to their heterosexual counterparts, many discovered that social pressure alone cannot sustain a marriage.

Divorce as a Legal Relief

For other same-sex couples, the legalization of gay marriage in their home state provided an unexpected benefit: the ability to divorce. Many couples, married in states that had already legalized gay marriage or simply living together for years, found that their relationship had run its course. Like heterosexual couples, they realized that they had grown apart or were no longer compatible.

The difference, however, was that same-sex couples had previously lacked the legal support to dissolve these long-term relationships. They needed help dividing their shared assets — houses, pets, cars, adopted children, and other belongings. The lack of legal recognition meant that, before marriage equality, breaking up could be both messy and emotionally taxing. Legal support in both marriage and divorce is essential for ensuring fairness in these situations.

The Importance of Divorce

Divorce exists for a reason — to provide a legal path for individuals of all genders, sexes, and ages who need to correct a mistake or move on from a relationship. It is important to remove the societal stigma associated with divorce so that people feel free to make choices about their private lives without fear of irreversible consequences.

Need Help with Your Divorce?

For more information about Virginia divorce, please feel free to watch one of our informational videos. If you need assistance with your case, contact our experienced DiPietro Law Group Attorneys today at (888) 530-4374 to schedule a consultation. We provide compassionate, strategic help throughout the process, giving you peace of mind and the strength to move forward.

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