In re the Marriage of: M.S. v. D.S. (amicus brief)

The ACLU of Missouri filed an amicus brief in an appeal from the dismissal of a married same-sex couple's divorce petition because the Court's decision will affect other gay and lesbian residents of Missouri and their children.

August 15, 2014

The American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri Foundation; PROMO; KC LEGAL; Professor Annette R. Appell, Director of Washington University Law School Child & Family Advocacy Clinic; American Civil Liberties Union; and Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund filed an amicus brief in an appeal from the dismissal of a married same-sex couple's divorce petition because the Court's decision will affect other gay and lesbian residents of Missouri and their children.

The brief argues that the St. Louis County Circuit Court erred in dismissing the petition to dissolve the marriage of two men, identified in court as M.S. and D.S., based on its belief that it lacked subject matter jurisdiction.

Update: February 10, 2015

The Missouri Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the Circuit Court of St. Louis County has subject matter jurisdiction over divorce cases and remanded the case back to the Circuit Court.