SAME-SEX COUPLES CAN NOW FILE JOINT BANKRUPTCIES
Friday, October 28th, 2011Married couples can file a joint petition in bankruptcy for a single filing fee. Consolidation of cases for married couples saves administrative cost, attorney fees, and can promote domestic harmony. This benefit has, until recently, been denied by some courts for same sex married couples or couples with civil unions. The United States Department of Justice has announced that it would stop opposing same-sex bankruptcies if the couple is legally married. It is a branch of the Justice Department called the “US Trustee” that represents the administrative branch of government in all bankruptcy cases.
This change of policy comes as same-sex bankruptcies have been gaining traction in some districts. It can be seen as another indication the Obama administration will no longer defend the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). But what does that mean for same-sex couples looking to petition for bankruptcy jointly? A pre-DOMA bankruptcy case may be telling. In 1995, the Northern District of Georgia decided In re Allen, 186 B.R. 769. The Court in Allen sided against the same-sex couple on the grounds that they were trying to set a federal standard for “spouse” when Congress hadn’t intended there to be a federal standard, so the state definition is what controlled. In fact, the Court goes so far as to say “…if a state recognizes a legal marriage between a same sex couple, they would qualify for relief under § 302” of the Code.
With the Federal government no longer objecting, it appears as though married and civil union same-sex couples should be able to file for bankruptcy jointly in states that have allowed same-sex marriage or civil unions. Under the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the Constitution, the same is likely true even in states that do not allow same sex marriage. The future of DOMA, however, is less certain. A spokesman for Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-Ohio) stated that “bankruptcy cases are unlikely to provide the path to the Supreme Court, where we imagine the question of constitutionality will ultimately be decided.”
DOMA isn’t dead yet. It has many ardent supporters in positions of power. Others, equally ardent in their opposition, are attempting to overturn the law in Congress. While the law may one day be repealed or ruled as unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, it remains the law; albeit one that the current administration has chosen not to enforce. The opponents of same-sex marriage do not believe that bankruptcy court is an appropriate place to save DOMA. For now, file away, same-sex couples.
Georgette Miller JABANE recipient of the Barrister’s Award 2011
Tuesday, October 18th, 2011Dear Ms. Miller,
On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Jamaican American Bar Association, NE., it gives me great pleasure to inform you that you have been voted the recipient of the Jamaican American Bar Association, N. E. Barrister’s Award 2011.
This, JABA, NE’s most prestigious award, will be presented on Saturday November 19, 2011, at 8:00 pm at our second Annual Black Tie Awards and Scholarship Gala to be held at the Sheraton Hotel in Newark, New Jersey.
This award is presented to a Jamaican American Attorney who has demonstrated exemplary service and dedication in the field of law.
Attached to this letter is information regarding the event.
Congratulations again and we look forward to receiving acknowledgement of
your formal acceptance of this award. Please also include your bio and
headshot.
Your prompt attention is appreciated.
Respectfully,
Joan O. Pinnock, Esq.
President, JABANE