Following the recent legalization of same-sex marriage in North Carolina, couples received advice in preparation for marriage at an event Thursday.
Get Ready for Marriage North Carolina, an event hosted by Equality NC, offered legal and financial advice for those directly affected by the recent legalization of same-sex marriage in North Carolina. Experts present at the event included a financial advisor, a certified public accountant and a legal attorney. The question-and-answer session highlighted the concerns of same-sex couples considering marriage, including home ownership, adoption and the birth certificates of their future children.
"We've been living and breathing legally on our own," said Marie Baker, a financial advisor at Edward Jones and member of the LGBTQ community. "A lot of these issues are things we haven’t even considered, so the hope tonight is to bring to light potential benefits and ramifications of marriage."
The event began with brief words of congratulations from the speakers to couples who had wed since Amendment One—the state's gay marriage ban—was struck down by a federal judge Oct. 10, thereby legalizing gay marriage. Jen Jones, director of communications and outreach from Equality NC, said the passage of the law was unexpected and thrilling.
"This is a very different week than last week,” Jones said.
Jones also encouraged attendants to be active about voting for candidates who support the LGBTQ event.
"Amendment One did not happen on accident, it happened at the polls," she said. "Everyone should be out, open and visible [at the polls]."
In addition to endorsing District Court Judge Nancy Gordon and Chief District Court Judge Marcia Morey, Milan Pham—a founding member and attorney at NicholsonPham, PLLC—gave advice on a wide range of legal matters including estate planning, step-parent adoption and employee benefits. She emphasized that couples must consider all potential legal ramifications of marriage, on an individual basis.
"Congratulations, you have entered [an institution] implicated in thousands of laws,” Pham said. "I'm just touching on a few out of the bunch."
Pham also spoke about the difference between step-parent adoption and second-parent adoption—the method of adoption used by unmarried couples. She recommended that married couples pursue step-parent adoption, which is the safer and more cost-effective option.
Baker gave financial advice, specifically regarding social security benefits, asset sharing and inheritance. She reminded attendants that jointly sharing assets and inheritance can lead to ramifications if a marriage does not work out, especially due to extensive legal costs. She added that because money is one of the main causes of divorce, couples need to look at all assets, including each spouse's profession.
“People procrastinate [on financial matters] because there’s always tomorrow, but you need to find an expert you trust that will guide you on that path," she said.
Richard deButts, a partner at deButts, Campbell & Roberts, PLLC, discussed potential tax benefits and penalties, adding that the extent of each of these depends on a couple's individual case.
At the end of the presentations, couples were given the chance to voice their own concerns. Several people requested clarification on the adoption policy, while others asked for advice on how to handle assets.
Margaret Thomas, a Durham resident, said the event was a great way to recognize the benefits and disadvantages of marriage.
"Marriage is so shiny and new for this community," Thomas said. "It's nice to hear about problems that we wouldn't think of."
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