Disclaimer: All facts gleaned from the filings stated hereafter are only as truthful as the petitioner. The tone of this article expresses a style of writing historically employed by America’s greatest writers and, as such, is for opinion purposes only. No intentional harm is due. Do not read if the topic of divorce (even your own) causes you emotional distress. Continue at your own risk.
After over 16 years as one of the most prominent gay married couples in Illinois, Danny M. Cohen filed a petition on December 19, 2023, in Cook County to end his marriage to Bernard Cherkasov.
Both Cohen and Cherkasov have been active advocates for LGBTQ+ rights during their relationship. Cherkasov previously served as CEO of Equality Illinois where he worked to expand legal protections for same-sex couples. He now leads the Illinois Holocaust Museum educating about the history and lessons of genocide.
Cohen is a writer and educator focusing on Holocaust memory. In his work, he seeks to uncover hidden stories of the past and bring overlooked histories to light. Through his novel and interactive stories, Danny hopes readers can learn from both the horrors and resilience of humanity.
In 2006, Cohen and Cherkasov exchanged vows in their local Chicago synagogue on the North Side, officiated by their rabbi. Their wedding was attended by numerous family members and friends who gathered to witness their deep affection and dedication. Symbolizing their union, they signed the ketubah, a customary Jewish wedding contract, and joyfully broke a glass together. However, in order to obtain legal recognition of their marriage, they had to journey to Canada in 2007. Upon returning to their state and country, they remained unrecognized by the law, still regarded as strangers in the eyes of the legal system. Cohen and Cherkasov have challenged social norms to build a family of their own, adopting a now teenage daughter.
Over time, Cohen and Cherkasov’s family made progress toward greater acceptance. Some states began conducting same-sex marriages, and Illinois recognized their marriage as a civil union. These milestones were significant as the movement for marriage equality gained momentum, in which Cherkasov, then CEO of Equality Illinois, played a part.
Then, the Supreme Court overturned the Defense of Marriage Act, which had barred federal recognition of their marriage. Shortly thereafter, the Illinois General Assembly enacted marriage equality, granting recognition at home.
However, their family still faced obstacles when traveling across the U.S., as some states did not acknowledge their union. Their rights fluctuated, reminiscent of unreliable cellphone service.
Their pursuit for nationwide recognition of all same-sex marriages reached a remarkable and joyous conclusion on June 26, 2015. On this day, the United States Supreme Court, as Justice Antonin Scalia had predicted in 2003, affirmed the right to ‘gay’ marriage.
However, as outlined in the petition, irreconcilable differences have arisen between the spouses, causing the breakdown of the marriage.
The petition, filed by Cohen’s attorneys, BEERMANN LLP, seeks various forms of relief, including the dissolution of the marriage, a finding that Cherkasov is self-supporting and should be barred from receiving maintenance, an order for monthly maintenance to be paid by Cherkasov, an agreed allocation judgment regarding decision-making responsibilities and parenting time for the minor child, child support and contribution to child-related expenses, equitable allocation of marital debts and property, allocation of non-marital property, and the sharing of attorneys’ fees and costs.
How marriages between any two loving people evolve or change over time is complex. But through candor, empathy, and good faith, Cohen and Cherkasov are navigating this transition with the same values of fairness, dignity, and care for one another that inspired their pioneering marriage in the first place. How they work through this next chapter may continue to encourage others to believe that families can be formed and supported in all forms.
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