Question: If I live in another state, can I get married in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts and California are the only states in the US to allow same sex couples to marry. Can gays and lesbians who don't live in Massachusetts get married there?
Answer: On July 31, 2008, Governor Deval Patrick signed a bill that repeals an old 1913 Massachusetts law blocking same-sex couples from out of state from marrying there. The original law forbid couples from marrying if their marriage would not be recognized in their home state.
Gay/Lesbian Divorce
Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders warned gay and lesbian couples to consider the implication of their marriage in if they live out of state. In order to end the relationship, you have to find a state that will recognize it in order to dissolve it. "That becomes a real problem," he says. In most states there is a residency requirement to dissolve a relationship (divorce.) Massachusetts has a year requirement. Most other states have some type of a residency requirement.In other words, you might have to move to Massachusetts for a year if you want a divorce. Although most people don't want to think abut their relationship ending when they get married, it's something gay and lesbian couples should take very seriously before getting married.
