The topic of same-sex marriage has recently become a major "hot-button" issue for policymakers and judicial circuits at the local, state, and national levels. While the determination of procedure has remained in the domain of legislatures and courthouses, same-sex couples have continued to create long-term relationships that have resulted in intertwined lives. Consequently, there has also been an increasing need for assistance and direction for couples during same-sex partnership dissolutions.

While there is a wealth of legal guidance on the dissolution of heterosexual marriages and partnerships (common law, palimony, etc.), there is very little information on the rights and processes involved with same-sex break-ups. Every state has its own interpretation, but the overwhelming consensus is that a partnership that cannot become a marriage does not have the rights of a marriage. Even Canada, which has made same-sex marriage legal in numerous provinces, initially failed to write the necessary legislation to deal with same-sex divorce.

Same-sex couples often have relationships that empirically mirror married couples. Depending on the state, this can include shared homes, cars, bank accounts, benefits plans, and even adopted children. However, if the relationship ends, there is little guidance for dissolutions without prior written contracts outlining the rights of each party. As with prenuptial agreements, many same-sex couples avoid breaching such a delicate subject while the relationship is in good standing.

As a result, couples are left with three options to proceed with the dissolution of their partnership: 'Without Help', with 'Divorce Attorneys', and with a 'Private Mediator'. The pros and cons of each option are listed below:

While the country continues to struggle with the legal definitions of long-term same-sex partnerships, their presence cannot be denied. As with heterosexual unions, couples will continue to build lives together only to find that the relationship was not meant to last. How the assets and interests of the partnership are distributed requires careful thought and understanding of the options that exist. Only then, can the best resolution be determined and emotional closure achieved.

This article was written by Matthew McCusker, a mediator/senior conflict resolution consultant for ACCORD Mediation, Arbitration, and Conflict Resolution, LLC.