A man is suing for recognition of his deceased partner as his common law spouse in Washington, DC. Equality on Trial reports:
The challenge would force Washington DC to recognize the man, James Spellman, as a surviving spouse for purposes of his spouse’s estate: Although the rules vary from state to state, in general, common-law marriages are formed when couples live together and act as spouses, even though they never held a wedding ceremony or obtained a marriage license. “It’s an absolutely classic case except for the sexes and sexuality” of the parties, said Catherine Ross, a law professor at George Washington University who specializes in family law.
If the suit fails, the assets of Mr. Spellman’s partner will go to the partner’s four siblings, based on a 23 year old will.
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The post USA, Washington DC: Lawsuit Seeks Recognition of Same Sex Common Law Marriage appeared first on Marriage Equality Watch.
