First Same-Sex Divorce Takes Place in Tom Green County

The first divorce of a same-sex couple in Tom Green County occurred today in Judge Tom Gossett’s 391^st District Court, a year after the law allowing same-sex couples to legally marry went into effect. Marriage licenses were first offered to same-sex couples on June 29, 2015.

As they waited for their hearing to begin, the soon-to-be divorced wives were amicable and sat together.

The couple chose to represent themselves, and the relatively informal hearing comprised of the duo approaching the bench together and conversing with the judge.

According to the two, the couple had no land or residence of their own to divide between them. As for individual property, Gossett asked them, “Do you wish for me to give you what you have in your possession and give her what’s in her possession?"

"Yes, sir," they both agreed.

Judge Gossett then reiterated that the petitioner filed for the divorce on April 26, 2016 because the two women could “no longer get along as spouses.”

When Gossett asked if the other party disagreed with that explanation, she responded, “No, sir.”

Gossett then asked if the wife who changed her name wanted to restore her maiden one. Both women agreed that she would keep the married name.

Without hesitation, Gossett granted the divorce, and the two women walked out of the courthouse together.