The Same-Sex Marriage Supreme Court Decision

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

    "Christian is a very good attorney all around."
    Christian is a very good attorney all around. He is knowledgeable and doesn't sugarcoat things. He is real and his advice is always helpful. I have referred many people to him and they are all very happy with his advice and representation.
    Anonymous
    "Great results, very satisfied with his help!"
    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
    "If anyone out there considering the Scott law , I definitely recommend giving Scott a call. Look no further."
    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.
    "I had the best experience!"
    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
    "Prompt, professional, and responsive, the attention to detail on our case was unparalleled."
    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.
    "Mr. Scott is highly knowledgeable, ethical, and will fight hard in the court room."
    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
    "Thank you Christian. And to the staff, thank you All for always being such a pleasure. You are such a wonderful Team."
    Christian Scott came highly recommended. From our first consultation together back in 2019 I knew I would be in good hands. It has been a long journey together. Despite all the difficulties and never ending battles with my case, I have always been able to trust that Mr. Scott has and continues to do what is in the best interest of my case. He has always listened, takes into consideration what I've presented, yet still offers his own recommendations and guidance that is based on his many years of experience. Offering his open, fair, honest and genuine realistic input has been been like having a family member fight for you when you have needed it in the lowest times of your life.
    Cynthia G.
    "When I say they are the BEST, believe me they are!"
    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

Why Choose Lavorato & Scott?

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