On Monday, October 21, 2013, at 12:01 am, same sex couples can officially marry in the State of New Jersey, on a provisional basis, based on the Supreme Court of New Jersey's recent ruling. This decision by the State's highest Court came about after Governor Chris Christie, filed an application with the Court, requesting that the Court stay - or delay - same sex marriages from beginning this week, as a result of a recent Trial Court Ruling.
Previously, on September 27, 2013, a Superior Court Judge held that same sex couples were being denied equal rights as well as other benefits available under the law, pursuant to the United State Court's decision which struck the Defense of Marriage Act down in June of this year.
In a unanimous ruling, the State Supreme Court held that "Public interest does not favor a stay". Although the Supreme Court may change its position as to same sex marriage at a later date, for now, couples can marry and the Governor has instructed the Department of Health to cooperate with all municipalities, to carry out the Court's ruling. The law on this area of law is changing and evolving each week. It is critical to understand how these laws may affect you or someone you love. If you have questions about this ruling, or questions in general about marriage, civil unions, or domestic partnerships, please contact the law firm of Amdur, Maggs & Dugan, and schedule a time to meet with one of our attorneys with specific knowledge in this area.