Family Law Blog

Colorado Legislature Considers Same-Sex Civil Union Bill

By Denver Divorce Lawyer on April 27, 2011

A bill in the Colorado Senate that would permit same-sex couples to enter into civil unions has been gaining support recently, according to an article in The Colorado Independent. The bill recently received five votes from Democrats in the Colorado Senate Judiciary Committee, in addition to a vote from Republican State Senator Ellen Roberts.

Roberts, who practiced law in Colorado for two decades, has often fought for laws that affect children’s health and welfare, including laws relating to child support, child custody, and similar divorce and family law issues. She says that a civil union law would help protect Colorado’s children by giving them the same legal rights and protections that children with opposite-sex parents have in their relationships with their parents, particularly in cases of divorce, the death of parent, or when the children need medical care.

Among other things, the Colorado civil unions bill will require same-sex partners to support one another financially, to arrange for alimony or similar financial support if they separate, to work out child support arrangements, and to recognize each other’s rights to visitation with their children if the couple divorces. These rights and responsibilities will be identical to those that opposite-sex couples currently face when they divorce.

Divorce is an emotionally charged process, whether or not children are involved. Having an experienced Colorado divorce attorney on your side can help you make informed decisions that protect your rights and give you the support you need. If you live in Colorado and are considering divorce, please don’t hesitate to schedule a free consultation with the experienced divorce lawyers at Kaplan Law. Call 1-877-527-5260 today to learn more or schedule an appointment.