Such agreements are signed in fewer than 5% of first marriages and 20% of second marriages, so courts in some states are still figuring out exactly how to deal with them.

FORBES: For Love And Money

The first gay marriages in Rhode Island could take place Aug. 1, when the legislation would take effect.

NPR: RI On Way To Be 10th State To Allow Gay Marriage

The first gay marriages in the state took place April 27.

CNN: Lawmakers approve same-sex marriage in N.H., Maine

In 1997, Mr. Cooper defended Hawaii in the state's Supreme Court for not performing same-sex marriages, in one of the first major cases tied to the issue.

WSJ: Chuck Cooper, the Other Lawyer in Gay-Marriage Case

After his first two marriages ended in divorce -- a sharp contrast to his parents' loving 52-year marriage -- Lagasse is hoping the third time is the charm following his May 2000 wedding to real estate manager Alden Lovelace.

CNN: Celeb chef stirs up a passion for food

In 1996, when Gallup first asked about gay marriages, 27 percent felt they should be valid.

WSJ: Hillary Clinton announces support for gay marriage

Five marriages, four ending in divorce, the first with a man who beat her and the fourth, in 1968, with Stokely Carmichael, the leader of America's Black Panthers.

ECONOMIST: Miriam Makeba

Argentina was the first Latin American nation to legalize such marriages, in 2010.

CNN: French lawmakers approve same-sex marriage bill

MPs are set to get their first chance to vote on plans to allow same-sex marriages in England and Wales.

BBC: Gay marriage: MPs set to vote on proposals for the first time

She recommends bypass trusts with mandatory funding for clients in their second marriages who want to take care of their kids from their first.

FORBES: Before It's Too Late

Two-fifths of American first marriages (and an even higher proportion of second and subsequent ones) are now likely to end in divorce.

ECONOMIST: I do, I can, I will