Articles

Federal Tax Consequences of Civil Unions

I. Introduction. -II. State Law Sometimes Determines Federal Tax Consequences: A. Family Relationships: 1. Parent-child Relationships: a. Presumption of Parenthood. b. Stepparents. 2. In-law Relationships. B. Property Rights: 1. Support Obligations. 2. Equitable Division of Property at Divorce. -III. Challenging the Tax Code. -IV. Conclusion.

In Praise of Civil Unions

I. Civil Unions Should Be Recognized for Marital Benefits in Other States. -II. Civil Unions Are Not Stigmatizing. -III. The Special "Queer Quality" of Civil Unions.

Religion as the Language of Discourse of Same Sex Marriage

The debate over the availability of the institution of marriage to couples of the same sex, like that over the regulation of abortion, has reached the point of exhaustion. Everything that can be said has been said; everything that can be done has been done. And yet, there is no victory for either side of the debate. For advocates of same sex marriage, this state of affairs is particularly distressing. Once confident of carrying the country after decisions in Hawaii, Alaska, and Vermont appear...

Some Observations About Doma, Marriages, Civil Unions, and Domestic Partnerships

I. Introduction. -II. Marriage, Civil Unions, and Domestic Partnerships: A. The Defense of Marriage Act. B. Civil Unions. C. Domestic Partnerships. D. Which Arrangement Is Best? -III. Conclusion.

Ten Propositions About Legal Recognition of Same-Sex Partners

I. Introduction. -II. Conclusion.

The New Marital Property: Civil Marriage and the Right to Exclude?

Troxel v. Granville: The Constitutionality of State Statutes Permitting Third-Parties to Petition for Visitation With a Child

I. Introduction. -II. Background: A. The Guaranteed Liberties Under the Fourteenth Amendment. B. The Fundamental Rights of Parents Under the Fourteenth Amendment. C. A "Fit Parent" Is Presumed to Act in the "Best Interests" of His or Her Child. D. Washington Revised Code § 26.10.160(3). -III. Discussion and Analysis: A. Summary of the Facts. B. Procedural History: 1. Trial court. 2. In re Troxel. 3. In re Smith. C. Holding. D. Reasoning: 1. Parents' Decisions on What Is Best for Their Childre...