A recent study reveals that the divorce or breakup rate for same-sex couples is the same as it is for heterosexual couples. This is true for same-sex couples who are involved in government-sanctioned marriages, civil unions, or long-term committed “marriage-like” relationships.

The study was conducted by a research team from Stanford University, utilizing data that was collected for the How Couples Meet and Stay Together successive surveys. These surveys followed 3,000 couples between the years 2009 through 2012. There were approximately 500 same-sex couples who participated in the surveys.

According to the data, the rate of breakup for same-sex couples was the same as heterosexual couples–right around three percent. There was no difference in the breakup rate between gay couples and lesbian couples.

The study’s final conclusion was that no matter what type of marriage a couple has, it is their history, the longevity of the relationship and the couple’s commitment to each other which determines the success or failure of a marriage.

Same-sex marriage became legal in the state of Illinois with the passage of the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act, which went into effect in June of last year.  This law grants all the same rights to married same-sex couples as married heterosexuals couples have. It also granted the right for same-sex couples to divorce.

Same-sex married couples face the same issues that traditional married couples have to deal with when divorcing. If there are children involved, then child custody and child support will have to be decided. Property and asset division will also have to be negotiated, and, depending on the circumstances, one spouse may be entitled to receive alimony or spousal support from the other.

Whether involved in a same-sex or heterosexual marriage, if you are considering a divorce, you need an experienced Orland Park divorce attorney to represent you and make sure your rights and interests are protected in the divorce process. Contact the attorneys at Kezy & Associates today for a free consultation.