Pathway Law, PC
Estate Planning, Probate, Elder Law, and LGBTQ Advocacy
Serving the LGBTQ Community
Marriage equality became the law of the land in 2015, bringing with it tremendous legal changes for the LGBTQ community. However gaining the right to marry does not address all challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals, especially seniors, who are statistically more likely than others to be without a spouse or partner later in life, and whose chosen families are less likely to have automatic recognition under the law.
Pathway Law advocates for this community by providing direct legal services to LGBTQ clients, education to community groups, and community service.
Resources:​
LGBTQ Elder Law Blog Posts:
Washington Marriage Equality Timeline
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2007: Washington passed its first version of the Registered Domestic Partnership law, granting certain rights relating to health care and inheritance for same-sex couples and unmarried couples where at least one partner is 62 or older. This law was amended in 2008 and 2009 to expand the rights included.
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2012: The Washington State Legislature passed Marriage Equality, but delayed its enactment until voters affirmed it by defeating a voter referendum aimed at defeating it. The first same-sex marriage in Washington was performed in December, 2012.
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2013: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in U.S. v. Windsor that the federal government must recognize a marriage that is legally recognized by a state.
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2014: Any remaining Registered Domestic Partnerships in Washington where both partners are under the age of 62 were automatically converted to marriage.
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2015: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges that all the states must allow and recognize same-sex marriage.
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