Probate. When a person dies all of their property goes into a probate proceeding. Probate itemizes all the assets of the decedent, resolves all the debts; pays the taxes and distributes the assets. These functions are handled by the executor of the will, who is usually named in the will and confirmed by the court.
The DEFENSE OF MARRIAGE ACT (DOMA) is a Federal law enacted on September 21, 1996 by then President Bill Clinton. The law essentially leaves it up to the States to decide whether to recognize a same-sex marriage performed in another State that permits such actions.
When the Federal Defense of Marriage Act 1996 was first passed, it was thought that Hawaii and potentially other states would be quick to legalize same-sex marriage, either by judicial interpretation or legislation of either the federal or state constitution.ecognition of Gay Marriage In Response of the Defense of Marriage Act. Since the enactment of Federal Defense of Marriage Act 1996, many states have allotted licenses for same-sex marriages.