Shareholder Kristi A. Davidson Published August Column for HFN Magazine

Her fourth published column in HFN Magazine, shareholder Kristi A. Davidson’s article, “The Aftermath of DOMA: Sales Boon, HR Burden?” discusses two recent court decisions: Hollingsworth v. Perry and United States v. Windsor and the aftermath they are having on sales and human resource departments.

Davidson writes that both court decisions have caused increased sales as newlyweds are looking to furnish homes, register for wedding gifts and celebrate the occasion.

While sales forecasts are set to increase, the court decisions have HR departments “scratching their heads,” Davidson writes. Many companies now have to modify employee benefit program documents such as COBRA, the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and spousal health benefits in order to adapt to the rulings.

Some companies are prepared for the change, but not all, Davidson says in her column. “What will happen, for example, when an employee marries his or her partner in a state that permits it and then, years later, is transferred to an office in a state that does not?” Many questions remain unanswered, and it may take some time to establish a workable system for employers. 

Read the full article – “The Aftermath of DOMA: Sales Boon, HR Burden?” (HFN Magazine, July 24, 2013)