SAME-SEX MARRIAGE RULING HAS WIDE-RANGING EFFECTS

As you most likely know by now, last month the U.S. Supreme Court issued its long-anticipated ruling regarding the issue of whether same-sex couples have the right to marry. Before the Court’s decision, there were countless unknowns and inconsistencies throughout the country involving everything from taxes to employee benefits to estate planning. With such uncertainty, it made it difficult for professionals to provide advice, and challenging for employers to ensure they complied with the law.

The Supreme Court ultimately held that any state law banning same-sex marriage was unconstitutional as a violation of the Due Process and Equal Protection clauses of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. With that, same-sex marriage is now legal throughout the country.

For many people, regardless of their personal beliefs, the ruling was a relief because it provides clarity on an issue that has a wide-ranging impact way beyond the right of same-sex couples to legally marry.

How wide? The following is a non-exhaustive list of topics affected by the Supreme Court’s recent ruling:

• Health insurance rights and plans
• Employee retirement plans
• Other employee benefits
• IRAs
• Life insurance
• Estate planning
• Inheritance rights
• Hospital rights and medical decision-making
• Adoption
• Taxes

Employers should review all employment policies, procedures, rules and documents to ensure they comply with the effects of the Supreme Court’s ruling.

Additionally, the following professionals should consider how this court decision may affect their business practices and the advice they provide to clients and customers:

• Human resource professionals
• CPAs and tax preparers
• Payroll processors
• Attorneys
• Insurance agents
• Financial advisors
• Employee benefit consultants
• Medical professionals

In the short term, there will be necessary adjustments because of the ruling. If you have any questions about how this ruling may affect you or your business, or would like assistance with updating your employee handbook, benefit forms or other business documents, or your estate plan, we would be happy to help.

Ultimately, in the long run, the business community should be happy that the Supreme Court has settled so many unknowns, which, as you know, creates risks that businesses prefer to avoid.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for assistance. We are here to serve you.

--

Curtis, Curtis & Brelinski, P.C. is a law firm based in downtown Jackson providing the highest quality legal services and client experiences to individuals, families and businesses throughout Michigan since 1901.