About Renee Karel

Attorney and Counselor at Law in Eagle, Idaho. Areas of Practice: Business Law, Family Law & Mediation, Criminal Defense, Litigation.

What does DOMA ruling mean for Idaho?

Today the Supreme Court held that the Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional. The bottom line is that if a same-sex couple has a legal marriage under its state laws, the couple is entitled to federal benefits. For example, the particular benefit in Windsor v. Spyer was a tax refund due because of estate tax calculations after one of the partners died.

However, Idaho does not recognize same-sex marriages, so those partnerships are not entitled to federal benefits. Same-sex partners in Idaho should consider arranging their financial and legal affairs through contract.