[Update 9/27/10–Governor Schwarzenegger has now signed SB 1482 into law.–GS] During this legislative session, state legislator and Speaker pro Tempore of the California Assembly, Assemblywoman Fiona Ma (D-San Francisco) introduced AB 2700–the Separation Equity Act. The bill changes the law to allow gay and lesbian couples who are both married and registered as domestic partners to dissolve both relationships in one proceeding. As one of Fathers and Families’ key goals is to reduce the need for divorce-related litigation, conflict, and expense, we support the passage of this bill. To learn more about this bill, please see the latest version here.
F&F’s official support letter can be seen below:
August 11, 2010 Assemblywoman Fiona Ma State Capitol P.O. Box 942849 Sacramento, CA 94249-0012 Tel: (916) 319-2012 Fax: (916) 319-2112 Re: AB 2700: Domestic partner registration: termination Position: SUPPORT Dear Assemblywoman Ma: One of Fathers and Families” goals is to reduce divorce-related litigation, conflict, and expense. One divorce proceeding is bad, but currently some California gays and lesbians may have to have two proceedings for the same dissolution. For couples who are currently in both a domestic partnership and a marriage and want to split up, current law requires two separate proceedings. This is a waste of time and money, both for the people involved and the courts. We support AB 2700 because it will create a consolidated proceeding for dissolving both the Domestic Partnership and the marriage. Fathers and Families commends Assemblywoman Fiona Ma for carrying this timely bill, and we urge all members to support this legislation. Fathers and Families is a national 501(c)3 not-for-profit charitable organization with offices in Sacramento, Los Angeles, and Boston. Fathers and Families improves the lives of children and strengthens society by protecting the child”s right to the love and care of both parents after separation or divorce. We seek better lives for children through family court reform that establishes equal rights and responsibilities for fathers and mothers. Together with you in the love of our children, Glenn Sacks, MA Executive Director, Fathers & Families cc: Larry Doyle, Legislative Representative, Conference of California Bar Associations cc: Equality California