Same Sex Couples May be Able to File Jointly in Some States

A bankruptcy judge in California ruled that the Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional, holding that a same-sex couple that filed for bankruptcy jointly was in compliance with federal laws. This Act defines a marriage as between a man and a woman.  However, in the case of Gene Balas and Carlos Morales, Los Angeles judge Thomas Donovan agreed with the couple that it would be impossible for the couple to file separately because their finances were so co-mingled.  This ruling came after the Los Angeles trustee moved to dismiss the joint filing on the basis that two men cannot be constitutionally married.

Bankruptcy law is constantly evolving and changing.  This makes it even more important to seek out experienced counsel when making such an important decision.