Port v. Cowan, MD

Out-of-state same-sex marriage was cognizable in the state pursuant to common law doctrine of comity, for purposes of application of the state's divorce law.

By Diana Shepherd, CDFA®Updated: May 29, 2020

Port v. Cowan: Out-of-state same-sex marriage was cognizable pursuant to common law doctrine of comity for application of the state’s divorce law.

By Laura Morgan, Family Law Consultant

Port v. Cowan, No. 69, Sept. Term, 2011 (Maryland Court of Appeals, May 18, 2012): Out-of-state same-sex marriage was cognizable in the state pursuant to common law doctrine of comity, for purposes of application of the state’s divorce law.

Port v. Cowan

Laura Morgan is a Family Law Consultant. Laura is available for consultation, brief writing and research on family law issues throughout the country. She can be reached through her Web site.

Related Articles

Representing Clients in Same-Sex Relationships

The LGBT community is generally well-informed; developments in the law are followed closely. Income varies widely, and so do political convictions. It is best to avoid stereotypes. You and your staff should concentrate on each individual, making as few assumptions as possible. Transgender persons usually present themselves as they wish to be addressed, female or male. Some may prefer a gender-neutral pronoun, such as “they.” If there is any doubt, your client intake sheet can include a line for the client’s preference. Respect is essential, warmth and understanding are appreciated.

The Conundrum of Same-Sex Divorce in Florida

As same-sex couples continue to fight for the right to marry in many U.S. States, another major challenge is facing gay couples wishing to legally terminate their union. Kathleen Vacca is a recent example of a Florida resident being denied a divorce because the state does not recognize the legitimacy her same-sex marriage. Read that story here. A similar Hillsborough County case has received support from the 2^nd District Court of Appeal, which has asked that the Florida Supreme Court settle the same-sex divorce case.

Debate About Divorce Surrounds Florida’s Same-Sex Marriage Ban

With around 80,000 marriages ending on an annual basis, divorce is not a rare occurrence in Florida. However, the state’s refusal to acknowledge the validity of gay and lesbian marriages means its courts are selective about which types of couples are permitted to legally separate. Not only does Florida’s same-sex marriage ban deny same-sex couples who want to get hitched, it presents a huge legal obstacle to those who are seeking divorce.

Categories:

Published on: July 09, 2012

About the Author

Diana Shepherd, CDFA®

Diana Shepherd has over 30 years of experience as a marketing, branding, SEO, copywriting, editing, and publishing expert. As Content Director for Family Lawyer Magazine, Divorce Magazine, and Divorce Marketing Group, she oversees all corporate content development and frequently creates SEO-friendly videos, podcasts, and copy for family law and financial firms. The Co-Founder of Divorce Magazine and Divorce Marketing Group, Diana is an award-winning editor, published author, and a nationally recognized expert on divorce, remarriage, finance, and stepfamily issues. She has written hundreds of articles geared towards both family law professionals and divorcing people, and she has both performed and taught on-page SEO for 20+ years. Diana spent eight years as the Marketing Director for the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts® (IDFA®), and she has been a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® since 2006. While at IDFA, she wrote, designed, and published The IDFA Marketing Guide, and she also created seminars for CDFA professionals to present to family lawyers (approved for CLE), as well as to separated and divorcing individuals. She has represented both DMG and IDFA at industry conferences and events across North America, and she has given marketing as well as divorce financial seminars at many of those conferences.

Port v. Cowan, MD

Out-of-state same-sex marriage was cognizable in the state pursuant to common law doctrine of comity, for purposes of application of the state's divorce law.

About the Author

Diana Shepherd, CDFA®

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply