On October 17, 2014, Arizona became the 31st state in the country to recognize and allow same-sex marriage.  Several couples have already married – some just minutes after Attorney General Tom Horne notified the Arizona county clerks of court that marriage licenses could no longer be denied to otherwise-qualified same-sex couples. [ http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/arizona/politics/2014/10/17/arizona-gay-marriage-ruling/17431229/]. Additionally, marriages (and, possibly, other relationships such as Registered Domestic Partnerships and Civil Unions) that were obtained legally in other states that recognized same-sex marriage before Arizona are now recognized in the State of Arizona.

In large part, Arizona law stands ready to accommodate this change in the law.  The statutes governing premarital agreements, dissolution, spousal maintenance, legal decision-making authority over children (formerly known as custody), parenting time, and child support, are already, for the most part, gender-neutral.

Likewise, our firm stands ready to assist same-sex families in all of their family law needs: premarital agreements, child custody matters, legal separation, and dissolution.  If you find yourself in need of such services, contact one of our family law attorneys to set an initial consultation.

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This blog should be used for informational purposes only.  It does not create an attorney-client relationship with any reader and should not be construed as legal advice.  If you need legal advice, please feel free to contact Lindsay A. M. Olivarez at www.udallshumway.com or contact an attorney in your community.