Same-Gender Marriage Rulings: Impacts on Employee Benefit Plans Across the Nation

Training Provided by Lorman Education Services nIn May 2008, the California Supreme Court ruled that the state cannot deny same-gender couples the right to marry. Same-gender couples - many of them, in fact - flocked to California and started getting legally married on June 17, 2008. But then in November 2008, California voters approved Proposition 8, which bans same-sex marriage going forward. Massachusetts and Canada also allow same-gender marriage, and more than 15,000 couples have been married there. n nOn the flip side, more than half of the states have passed state constitutional amendments banning same-gender marriages. In addition, 44 states have defense of marriage laws or constitution provisions providing that the state does not have to recognize same-gender marriages, such as those performed in California, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Canada. n nWhat are employers to make of these conflicting developments? Whether or not you have been presented with employees entering into same-gender marriages, it is wise to examine your plans and policies to prepare for this situation. n nThis teleconference will explain the recent legal developments in detail and present strategies for evaluating your current benefit plan documents, HR policies, tax and payroll procedures, and other administrative practices, as well as formulating an appropriate response.

Same-Gender Marriage Rulings: Impacts on Employee Benefit Plans Across the Nation Agenda

1. Summary of Massachusetts, California and Connecticut Same-Gender Marriage Rulings
1. Statistics on Number of Marriages
2. Impact of Such Marriages out of State
3. Discussion of California Proposition 8 and Impact on Same-Sex Marriage
2. Summary of State Constitutional Amendments and Mini-DOMA Laws
3. Recent Impact on Employee Benefit Plans
1. Health and Welfare Plans
2. Pension and 401(k) Plans
3. Non-ERISA Benefits and Programs
4. Taxation Issues
5. The Impact of Civil Unions
4. Steps All Employers Should Take to Prepare for Benefit Requests From Same-Gender Couples
5. Roundup of Recent Developments from Various States

About The Training Provider: Lorman Education Services

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