[OT] I am engaged!!

[Mistwell]

Hawaii and Vermont acknowledge gay marriages. As does Germany, Denmark, Netherlands and another country. We are getting married but it wont be recognized. Yet.

Congrats!

I'm an attorney that has done the paperwork for a commitment ceremony for some friends. Unfortunately neither Hawaii nor Vermont recognize gay marriages, despite attempts to do so. Hawaii's Supreme Court, and a new State Constitutional amendment, both shot it down (last I checked at least). In Vermont, they have a special "Civil Union" rule, which is pretty darn close to marriage, but they still will not call it a "marriage", nor is it recognized by other states. In addition, marriage outside of the US will not be recognized inside the US if it is between two people of the same gender. So, you are stuck for now without any way to make it a legal "marriage" in the US.

That said, what you might want to do is get documentation similar to what I did for the commitment ceremony. IE: Wills naming each other as heirs, Durable Power's of Attorney for health care decisions, Durable Power's of Attorney for property decisions, and (if you so wish) a commitment contract. If either of you have substantial property, you might also want some trusts drawn up. There is a decent book on the subject out by nolo press (I think it is www.nolo.com, try this link http://www.nolo.com/lawcenter/index.../subcatid/64C2C325-5DAF-4BC8-B4761409BA0187C3 ).

You may still have some difficulty with some insurance forms, joint tax filing forms, loan & financing documents, and such. But it's all doable with some effort.

Again, congratulations! If you need any advice (what little I can offer), feel free to ask.

 

[Buttercup]

Angelsboi, this is wonderful news!

I hope you'll be very happy together. Stable, committed relationships are good for individuals and good for society, regardless of the gender of the people involved. And it's a fine thing to have someone to walk through life with--makes every day a little brighter.

 

[maddman75]

Congrats Angelsboi! Wow, ENWorld's Minister of Homosexuality getting married!

I hope the two of you find happiness together

 

[Creamsteak]

Great to hear AB! Now this is something interesting to add to the, "interesting people I've found at Enworld" category. Us 'mid-western americans' rarely see anything like this.

Also, how's the FF game going?

 

[beta-ray]

Good news! Congratulations and nice to hear about your father!

 

[Sollir Furryfoot]

Congratulations Angelsboi! Hope everything goes perfect!

 

[William Ronald]

Congratulations

Mazel tov, Angelsboi!

You have had some rough times, but it seems that the future is looking bright indeed! Best wishes.

Your in Georgia, right? So is CNN going to air the wedding live?

 

[Darrin Drader]

Congrats! Its always good to see people finding happiness.

As someone who has gay friends and is definitely in favor of gay rights, I hope the legalities work out sooner or later. Love is beautiful. No laws should make any group feel like second class citizens, especially not in this country.

 

[Samnell]

Congrats, Angel.

 

[Howling Coyote]

congradulations!!!