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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Mistwell" data-source="post: 590727" data-attributes="member: 2525">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 <a href="http://www.nolo.com," target="_blank">www.nolo.com,</a> try this link <a href="http://www.nolo.com/lawcenter/index.cfm/catID/F896EE61-B80C-4FE1-B1687AC0F07903BA/subcatid/64C2C325-5DAF-4BC8-B4761409BA0187C3" target="_blank">http://www.nolo.com/lawcenter/index.cfm/catID/F896EE61-B80C-4FE1-B1687AC0F07903BA/subcatid/64C2C325-5DAF-4BC8-B4761409BA0187C3</a> ).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.</blockquote>

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