July 2, 2013
11:00 am – 12:00 pm EDT

To register, click here.

As a result of the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), same-sex relationships have not been recognized for any purpose under any federal law, including the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, the Internal Revenue Code and COBRA.  Historically, this has created significant implications for the administration of benefit plans covering same-sex partners, including the taxation of health, dental and vision benefits and survivor benefits under retirement plans.  Employers that have extended equal benefits to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees have faced significant administrative and other challenges.  Employers that have not extended benefits to same-sex partners have struggled to understand their legal obligations.

Earlier this year, the Supreme Court of the United States heard arguments on the constitutionality of DOMA and on California’s “Proposition 8,” which denies same-sex couples the right to marry in that state.  The Supreme Court is expected to issue its rulings in these cases in June.  Based on this, McDermott Will & Emery invites you to a webcast to discuss the impact of these landmark decisions on employee benefit plan sponsors and to address key considerations for employer-provided plans, including:

• An up-to-date description of the federal taxation of health and welfare benefits
• A summary of steps employers must take in light of the Supreme Court’s decisions
• What benefits must employers offer to same-sex partners

McDermott Speakers
Joseph S. Adams, Partner
Todd A. Solomon, Partner
Brian J. Tiemann, Associate

For more information, please contact Carolyn Verscaj.