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Justice of the Peace
Newsletter

Vol. 8 Issue 2

February 2010

Was Valentine's Day Happy?

In This Issue:

Civil Unions... almost gone

Google, YouTube, findaJP

Universal Life Ministry

Wedding Expenditures Down

Next Connecticut Conference

No More Civil Unions on findaJP... for now

For the last couple of months, as we have had occasion to update pages on findajp.com, we've been deleting references to "civil unions" as all our members' home states have replaced the civil union option with marriage.
  • In CT, civil unions will cease to exist on October 1 with any ones still in force automatically converted to marriage.
  • In NH, no new civil unions have been allowed since January 1, when same-sex marriages became legal. And next Jan. 1, all remaining ones will be converted to marriages.
  • In VT, no new civil unions have been permitted since September 1, when the marriage equality law took effect. Existing civil unions will continue to be recognized as such. Couples currently in a civil union who want to be married will need to go through the new marriage process. 
Q: Where are Civil Unions Still Valid?  
A: In NJ since February 2007. That's it! (The NJ Senate rejected a gay marriage bill in January so civil unions will be around for some time.) However, many states, cities and counties offer domestic partnerships that provide benefits similar to civil unions. In the December 2008 newsletter, we asked: "Are the days of civil unions numbered?" We didn't expect it to happen so soon!
Leave It to Google.
Google docs has entered the wedding business by offering a choice of templates for planning all aspects of a wedding including budgeting, seating, menu, photographer, guest list, album, etc. Of particular interest to JPs is a template for writing vows to be shared with "the "person officiating your ceremony."
      See that YouTube video embedded on the page? JP Association members will soon have the opportunity to display excerpts of ceremonies they perform on findajp.com in addition to the Photo Gallery now available. Be the first member to send us a wedding video and we'll display yours free!
        Another change to findajp listings suggested by Norwalk CT JP Donald Burr: Include your Facebook, Linkedin or Twitter link! Don's facebook page is all about weddings and being a JP. Good idea to take advantage of social networking. Thanks, Don.
        Are you a social networker? Does it help your JP business? Your fellow JPs would like to know.
 
JP  plus Universal Life Minister?

Q: My niece called to tell me of her engagement. She asked if it would be possible for me to officiate at her Florida wedding. Am I limited to only CT weddings? Can her wish to have me officiate come true?
                                                         JP Mary Kelly, Wolcott CT
A: Florida doesn't even have JPs. Notaries perform marriages there. However there is a way... Become a Universal Life Minister - http://www.universalministries.com/doctrine.html.
Universal Life Church Minister
Official Signature
In some states (including CT), only clergy with pastoral duties may legally officiate at marriages. That eliminates Universal Life Ministers, who are "ordained" for the sole purpose of officiating. But most states allow them, which comes in handy at times. Are you both a JP and a Universal Life Minister? We'd like to know how many JPs are both. Also let us know how having the dual designations has made a difference to you.
 
Average cost of a wedding drops 10.2% in 2009
According to Shane McMurray's The Wedding Report, based upon 3,100 surveys, couples spent on average $19,581 on their weddings in 2009 compared to $21,814 in 2008, a 10.2% decline. While spending on number of guests, gifts, invitations and menu declined, spending for music, photography and bridal dress increased. 
Connecticut JP Conference Planning:  After running three meetings around the state for three years in a row, we are considering going back to one large centrally-located (near Hartford) event next fall. Let us know if  you would attend (assuming the date selected works for you) and if you can help (logistics, choosing location, as a workshop leader).

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Please let us know if you prefer not to receive this Newsletter and we'll take you off the list. Also let us know if you have problems receiving it or if you are receiving more than one. We welcome your feedback and appreciate news or features of interest to JPs. Please send your suggestions, comments and submissions to newsletter@jpus.org