Free Initial Consultations

847.873.6741

The Effects of Obergefell on Illinois Couples

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Divorce

same-sex Illinois couples, Palatine Divorce LawyerWith the recent historic Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, same-sex marriage is now legal everywhere in the United States. While legal in Illinois for over a year, the effect for couples who may want to move or travel out of Illinois is significant.

Same-Sex Marriage in Illinois

In 2013, the state legislature approved same-sex marriage in Illinois. Effective as of June 2014, the law allows for same-sex marriage while protecting religious liberties and provides that religious groups may choose which marriage ceremonies to perform; they may not be sued if they refuse to perform a same-sex marriage.

Churches, synagogues, mosques and other places used primarily for the practice, study or advancement of religion cannot be required to use their buildings for same-sex marriage events. Declining to provide a space based on religious beliefs provides immunity from civil and criminal liability.

More than 10,400 same-sex couples have wed in Illinois since same-sex marriage was allowed in the state. The recent ruling means that the legislature could never overturn that law.

Obergefell v. Hodges

In a 5-4 decision authored by Justice Kennedy, the Supreme Court approved same-sex marriages nationwide.Obergefell is a combination of four cases addressing bans in Ohio, Michigan, Tennessee and Kentucky. In its ruling, the Court held two important facts: states must recognize same-sex marriages legally performed in other states, and same-sex marriage bans in the four states were unconstitutional. All states must now issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

The Fourteenth Amendment, which ensures due process and equal protection under the law, means that states must recognize same-sex marriages. The Court held that the right to marry is a fundamental right, and the state may not deprive same-sex couples of that right.

Effects on Same-Sex Illinois Couples

Prior to the recent ruling, there were 14 states that did not allow same-sex marriage. Yet, it was legal in 36 states, including Illinois and in the District of Columbia. Previously, if a same-sex couple wed in Illinois and moved or traveled to any of those states in which same-sex marriage was not permitted, their marriages would not be recognized.

Not having their marriages recognized in other states meant ineligibility for employer-provided health care and other benefits. Adoption, parental rights issues and survivor benefits, among others, may have been be affected. Same-sex spouses may not have been allowed into hospital rooms, and so even vacationers ran risks during travels to other states. Importantly, married same-sex couples who moved to states that did not allow same-sex marriage could not obtain divorces in those states.

Now, however, those issues are mostly resolved. Same-sex couples can travel or move to any state and their marriages will still be recognized. Elderly couples can retire to a different state without worrying. Moreover, same-sex couples who want a divorce can obtain one in whatever state in which they reside.

Same-sex couples still may have problems with discrimination in housing, employment or public accommodations. The opinion in Obergefell does not state that sexual orientation is a protected class nor does it forbid states from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation.

Navigating the issues surrounding same-sex marriage and divorce may be confusing and difficult with the recent changes in the law. Please contact a skilled Palatine family law attorney at the Law Office of Nicholas W. Richardson, P.C. to schedule an initial consultation.

Share this post:

Introducing The Law Office of Nicholas W. Richardson


Nicholas W. Richardson is an experienced divorce lawyer and mediator whose comprehensive legal knowledge, commitment to clients and reputation for results bring lasting solutions to your problems.

Back to Top