Steve Gunn, CRPC, is a Financial Advisor who holds the Accredited Domestic Partnership AdvisorSM Designation with Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, in Seattle. He seeks to address the unique financial challenges that same-gender partners face. You can reach Steve at steve.gunn@wfadvisors.com and www.wfadvisors.com/steve.gunn
It has been a year since the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that invalidated key provisions of the 1994 Defense of Marriage Act, and the impact has been significant at the federal and state levels. With at least 19 states and the District of Columbia now recognizing same-gender marriages, many policies and regulations that impact multiple facets of couples’ lives are rapidly changing.
Do I Qualify
To qualify for the federal spousal benefits listed below, LGBT couples must have been married in a jurisdiction that recognizes same-gender marriageknown in IRS terms as their “Place of Celebration.” These benefits are available regardless of where the couple live in the United States, i.e., their “Place of Domicile.”