Michigan LGBTQ Law

On March 21, 2014, the historic, landmark decision in the case of DeBoer v. Snyder was handed down. The case garnered national attention because it was the first instance where a full trial was held on the direct issue of the constitutionality of a same-sex marriage ban since the Prop 8 case in California. Dana Nessel, formerly of Nessel & Kessel Law, was one of the lead attorneys on the case. This decision, written by Judge Bernard Friedman, struck down Michigan’s 2004 voter approved ban on same-sex marriage. In ruling that the ban was unconstitutional, the judge said that there was no legitimate reason for the State of Michigan to deny same-sex couples the same rights as straight couples. This ruling meant that Michigan’s ban on same-sex, second parent adoptions for married couples was also unconstitutional. This decision has now changed the face of adoption for same-sex couples.

The very next day, Saturday, March 22, 2014, hundreds of gay and lesbian couples flocked to circuit courts across the metro area in hopes of receiving a marriage license. Thankfully, even though it was a Saturday, many of them succeeded. On that day, some 300+ couples entered into legal, valid marriages. As soon as those couples were married, the now, step-parent would have the legal right to adopt the child of their spouse. However, as is often the case, these matters are not so simple. If you have a family law matter and are a member of the LGBTQ community and would feel more comfortable in the hands of an attorney who has fought for the rights of the LBGTQ community, contact Chris Kessel now.