Legal Affairs: Essential Advice for Same-Sex Couples [Paperback]

Frederick Hertz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 15, 1998

A groundbreaking book for gay and lesbian couples.

In this country, same-sex marriages have yet to become legalized even though increasing numbers of lesbian and gay couples are forming and maintaining long-term relationships. In a friendly and informal tone, Legal Affairs presents critical concerns facing individuals whose partnership is not protected by the laws of marriage. It covers the social, legal, psychological, and financial aspects of forming or dissolving same-sex partnerships as it encourages couples to design for themselves a balanced and equitable union that will survive the good and bad times.

A unique blend of practical advice, wise counsel, and social history, it features a comprehensive discussion of a variety of legal and financial arrangements that lead to securing and "legally" binding a relationship. It reviews the commitment process; the details of making written agreements; and taxation and the "extended" family. It also offers concrete advice concerning the ending of a union that may involve children, real estate, and personal property. Sensitively recognizing the personal and political dynamics involved in same-sex partnerships, this wonderfully comprehensive guide is sure to become a must-have for gays and lesbians.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Almost 30 years ago, the gay liberation movement opened up a brave new world that offered startling new freedoms and ways of looking at life. But the lives of gay men and lesbians were still bound by the network of laws and judicial rulings--some harsh and oppressive, others quite useful--that are the bulwark of our legal system. The gay movement has spent much of its energy dismantling laws that discriminate against homosexuals or criminalize sexual activity, but there is another expanse of legal territory--family law--that remains confusing and often uncharted. Frederick Hertz's Legal Affairs: Essential Advice for Same-Sex Couples provides a navigational map to the most dangerous places of this complicated territory. Covering everything from legal partnership contracts (in the absence of gay marriage) to the potential legal horrors and financial nightmares of a breakup, Hertz elucidates which existing laws can help gay couples and which can harm or hinder them. From joint bank accounts, home ownership, insurance, children (adopted and biological) and pets to separation contracts, child support, wills, and death benefits, Hertz presents clearly written, psychologically nuanced, and step-by-step instructions for all stages of gay and lesbian coupledom. --Michael Bronski

From Library Journal

With same-sex marriage a controversial concept whose time has perhaps not yet come, gay and lesbian couples may be bewildered by a legal system that rarely provides for or acknowledges them. Hertz, a San Francisco attorney, maps out the legal options available to such couples seeking to formalize their relationships. The author takes a holistic approach, first presenting a social history of marriage and divorce, enabling readers to place their relationship within its social context and evaluate what relationship structures are most appropriate. Writing with a minimum of legalese, Hertz offers canny advice about how couples can resolve such issues as domestic partnerships, home ownership, care of children, financial planning, estate planning, and "divorce." This is not a do-it-yourself law guide but a primer designed to encourage reflection and discussion between partners and as such complements practically oriented guides like Hayden Curry's A Legal Guide for Lesbian and Gay Couples (Nolo, 1996. 9th ed.). Recommended for specialized gay studies collections and public libraries serving gay and lesbian populations.?Richard Violette, Social Law Lib., Boston
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Holt Paperbacks; 1 edition (June 15, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805052240
• ISBN-13: 978-0805052244
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,345,645 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Frederick Hertz is a practicing attorney-mediator and the author of Legal Affairs: Essential Advice for Same-Sex Couples (Owl Books) and co-author of Nolo's Living Together: A Legal Guide for Unmarried Couples, A Legal Guide for Lesbian & Gay Couples and Making It Legal: A Guide to Same-Sex Marriage, Domestic Partnership & Civil Unions. He lives and works in Oakland, California.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Phew!, May 23, 2001

By 

Tori (Washington DC,USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Legal Affairs: Essential Advice for Same-Sex Couples (Paperback)

Luckily i found this book just in time.It really helped Tina and me to understand our rights better and know what is exactly good or bad according to the law.You will not regret owning this book ,it will always be of immense help in legal issues and even for everyday living.I'm glad i've read this book.