06-27-2013, 04:33 PM
I've seen it suggested that, for example, Social Security survivor benefits might have to be applied for in a state that recognizes the marriage, although they would continue everywhere. However, as Kelena said, there is wide latitude in the rules process, and I think this will be treated as the federal government recognizing all legally-conducted marriages regardless of where the people reside.
One area I hadn't previously considered is where federal law is not directly executed by a government agency, but only guarantees certain priveleges or rights to people. For example, the Family and Medical Leave Act allows people to take unpaid leave from jobs to take care of a spouse or family member. Still, there are quite a few definitions and rules under that (for example, airline flight crews have special rules), so they may be able to fit everyone in there too.
One area I hadn't previously considered is where federal law is not directly executed by a government agency, but only guarantees certain priveleges or rights to people. For example, the Family and Medical Leave Act allows people to take unpaid leave from jobs to take care of a spouse or family member. Still, there are quite a few definitions and rules under that (for example, airline flight crews have special rules), so they may be able to fit everyone in there too.