Within that decade, Amelie and Licia’s relationship had shifted. Once rooted in romance, it now centered on co-parenting. Amelie moved out, and Licia had a new partner, Tamara. But the law wouldn’t let them divorce. Massachusetts required at least one spouse to reside in the state, but Amelie and Licia had kids enrolled in Maryland schools and jobs that bound them there. Maryland didn’t acknowledge the marriage in the first place, so they couldn’t file for divorce in their home state. Until they divorced, Licia couldn’t marry Tamara. They were all in marriage purgatory.
