Panel Discussion on Proposition 8 and the Defense of Marriage Act: How SCOTUS Rulings Could Impact Bankruptcy, Estate Planning, and Tax Law — May 17, 2013
John B. Dorris, Esq. at Latham, Luna, Eden & Beaudine, LLP, and W. Cleveland Acree, Esq., of Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A., have coordinated a Panel Discussion for May 17, 2013, on the potential impact of the upcoming Supreme Court rulings in Hollingsworth v. Perry (California’s Proposition 8), and United States v. Windsor (Defense of Marriage Act) on bankruptcy, estate planning, and tax law. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court, located at 400 W. Washington, across from the FAMU law school, will host both the Panel Discussion and Reception. The distinguished panelists include U.S. Bankruptcy Judge John K. Olson, S.D. Florida. Judge Olson filed two amicus briefs in the Windsor matter addressing the jurisdictional issues and the merits, which can be found at the American Bar Association. Additional panelists include W. Thomas Dyer, Esq., founder and publisher of The Watermark, Central Florida’s premier LGBT publication; Mary B. Meeks, Esq., a constant champion of LGBT rights, and co-author of the 2013 Florida Senate Bill, SB 196, or “Families First Act,” which would create a statewide domestic partner registry; and estate planning and transfer tax specialist Mary Merrell Bailey, Esq., CPA, M.B.A., who specializes in the needs of unmarried couples and the elderly. Civil litigator, and diversity and inclusion advocate, Larry D. Smith, Esq., will serve as the Panel Moderator. The one hundred minute Panel Discussion will begin at 2:00 p.m., and will be followed by a 60 minute reception at the Bankruptcy Court. The event is presented by the Central Florida Gay and Lesbian Law Association and the Central Florida Bankruptcy Law Association.