Salinas Same-Sex Marriage Attorneys
California Same-Sex Marriage Laws
On June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court made a decision countless Americans have been waiting a long time to finally hear: the legalization of same-sex marriage nationwide. In the split 5-4 decision, the justices ruled that the Constitution guaranteed the right of marriage to all Americans, sparking celebrations in LGBT communities throughout the country.
The decision marks a distinct civil rights victory for our country and affects same-sex couples even in states that have already legalized same-sex marriage—California included. Lavorato & Scott is ready to even further extend our family law services to same-sex couples of our community who can finally enjoy the full legal benefits of marriage. Our dedicated team of Salinas family lawyers can help these couples understand these new, federal benefits and assess how they might influence an existing or anticipated legal issue.
The trusted counsel you need is just a phone call away. Contact us at Lavorato & Scott today.
What Are the Federal Benefits of Same-Sex Marriage?
California legalized same-sex marriage in 2013. That however, was a state decision and did not give same-sex couples access to federal marriage benefits that opposite-sex couples have long enjoyed. The latest Supreme Court decision, however, does just that for already married same-sex couples.
New federal marriage benefits available to same-sex couples include:
- Social security benefits
- Federal employment benefits
- Military (or veteran) benefits
- Joint federal income tax filings
- Estate tax portability
While not every one of these benefits will apply to most couples, many of them will and can significantly change the outlook of a divorce, prenuptial agreement, or other family law matter involving finances. If you and your partner, wife, or husband are facing a family law matter you believe needs to be re-assessed due to the newly available federal marriage benefits, then contact us at Lavorato & Scott. Our team has over a decade of collective legal experience and is ready to bring unparalleled advocacy and insight to your case.
Start the process today. Contact us for a free initial consultation now.
Our Client Testimonials
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It was an absolute great experience working with Mr. Scott. The moment I entered the office, staff greeted me and made sure I was comfortable and had what needed for my meeting. Mr. Scott was very professional and paid attention to detail in my situation. His ability to hear the situation, allowed for a great outcome. Mr. Scott’s recommendations and ability to get things done was phenomenal!Alex M.
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Christian is the best! He helped me in a very difficult custody situation. My son was getting physically abused. It was so difficult to see the court system not trying to protect my son. But Christian never gave up and fought for my son like he was his own. I will forever be grateful to him and his Wonderful paralegal Jana. So when I say they are the BEST, believe me they are! My son is now out of harms way because of Christian never giving up. So don't waste your time on other attorneys that will not care for the BEST interest of your child. You cannot put a price on peace of mind.Angie
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The way that Christian, Jana, and the team at Lavorato & Scott navigated the complicated maze of family court was clearly an example of his refined skill and understanding of what needed to be done to ensure the best outcome for the children involved. I would highly recommend this firm to anyone that has a family court matter and wants a team of professionals in which the children's well being to be the center focus of their representation.Stafford B.
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Christian Scott is one of the few attorneys in Monterey County who can fight sleazeballs like David Parnie. Mr. Scott is highly knowledgeable, ethical, and will fight hard in the court room.Bill
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From the moment I walked in they made me feel comfortable and safe. They consult me and I immediately happily retained their services. I was a nervous mess as I have different cases going a Restraining order/ Domestic Violence and Divorce . Both Daniel and Jana kept reassuring me that things will be okay and to confide in them. I had to get a little lecture , but that’s ok as I needed it...They really now what they are doing. We have recently gone to our first court hearing and I’m HAPPY of how things are turning out. Patience is a virtue. And I don’t mind waiting as long as things are handled appropriately.Iris G.
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Mr. Scott represented me in my divorce action. It was a difficult time in my life and dealing with the custody of my children and support issues, Mr. Scott and his team really came through for me. He was aggressive when he needed to be but was able to settle all of my issues outside of the courtroom. I met with other attorneys before I met with Mr. Scott. I am very glad that I waited until I found Christian and at the end of my interview, I hired Mr. Scott. We went to court and everything, but there was no arguing in the courtroom like many of the other cases. Mr. Scott had 4 other cases the morning of my case. When he showed up it was like he was a celebrity. Other attorneys came up to him and greeted him. His other clients greeted him. I even saw the investigator and some mediator come up to him and speak with him. I saw him argue against another attorney when he was unable to work something out and the Judge ruled in his favor on everything. Gave him everything he asked for. It was very impressive. After he argued that case, he went out in the hallway spoke with the attorney on the other side, came over to me and spoke with me about the negotiations and I was very happy with where I stood. I happily agreed to what Mr. Scott worked out. We went into the court room, Mr. Scott told the judge the agreement and I was out of there. Now that the divorce is over with, I am very happy. I have a great custody situation, 50/50. My ex wife and I have gone to co-parent counseling at the suggestion of Mr. Scott and have a working co-parent relationship. I am very happy with the property division as well. The case took about 6 months from start to finish. I am very happy with my choice. I hope I never need Mr. Scott's services in the future, but if I have a problem, I would go straight back to him and his team. I have recommended him to my friends and co-workers and have never heard a complaint.Anonymous
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I had a criminal case involving a DUI. Christian got me through it and was very helpful. I will recommend him to any of my family or friends that get into a jam.Anonymous
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Mr. Scott is the best attorney, he answered my questions with specific and direct answers, Mr. Scott At easy my nervousness and took the time to explain the process to me in detail. He was very easy to talk to, he would respond to my email very quickly. He gave timely updates to my case and was quick to answer all the questions I had.Ana M.