Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 11/20/2004

Question
does the military recognice domestice partnership? if it does not let you reapond to my above e mail adress you can sent the response to daisy_nos@yahoo.com  Thanks alot

Answer
Dear Leta --

The US Military Services only recognize state sanctioned unions between men and women.  The "don't ask; don't tell" policy allows individuals with homosexual preferences to remain in the military, as long as their preferences do not interfere with "good order and discipline."  Interference with good order and discipline can be interpreted very broadly depending on the open mindedness or lack there-of of the service member's commander.

If you are in a "common law" marriage that is or could be recognized by the state where you reside, you can sometimes get military benefits.  You will have to prove your common law marriage status, and that the service member does not have prior obligations to another family.

Please write again, if I did not address all aspects of your question.  All the best.