PAULDING IN THE SPOTLIGHT - WHY MARRIAGE RIGHT ARE NEEDED FOR ALL
Released on = March 15, 2007, 7:11 am
Press Release Author = Davis
Industry = Law
Press Release Summary = Gay marriage
Press Release Body = PAULDING IN THE SPOTLIGHT - WHY MARRIAGE RIGHT ARE NEEDED FOR ALL
For those who oppose gay marriage, case 04-CV-270 is a perfect example why all citizens should have the right to marry. This case has been bogged down in Paulding county Georgia, wasting precious tax payer's money
By not having marriage rights and the benefit of divorce, only complicates and wastes government resources in an already over burdened court system
For 20 years, Mark Bengtson shared his life with Timothy Quinn The two settled down in Paulding County and purchased a home together in Acworth in 1998.
Their long-term relationship soured, and the two split. On Dec. 10, 2002, a month following the breakup, their house and much of what they owned was totally destroyed by fire.
There civil case has been going on now for over 3 years with no end in sight. Tim Quinn's position is it should be viewed as a divorce and Mr. Bengtson position is that it's a contract case. The only legal argument afforded him under the law.
Mr. Quinn's persistent push to make the courts redefine the law only confuses and delays the proceedings not to speak of the pain and mounting legal costs endured by the defendant, Mark Bengtson
Equitable distribution laws as defined under Georgia Divorce, does not apply to non-married couples. This case is about property ownership, a pure and simple contract case.
Under current Georgia law, when two unmarried people are listed on the title of a property, then they both have equal ownership.
Mr. Quinn trying to use manipulate the law by claiming equitable distribution statues under Georgia Divorce law as a way to win his case. Even if he succeeded in convincing the courts to apply marital law, he still would never be awarded what he is asking for.
Understandably, the court is grappling on how to handle this case. Paulding County being a conservative county and deeply religious, would rather not deal with this as not to have to redefine marriage or even worse property ownership laws.
There is no doubt that Marriage rights, for all are needed, however by provoking the courts only delays any real chance that legal reform will ever come to Georgia.
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