The CFPB issues this memorandum to its staff, saying the Bureau will regard a person who is married under the laws of any jurisdiction to be married nationwide for purposes of the federal statutes and regulations under the Bureau’s jurisdiction regardless of the person’s place of residency. Consistent with other federal agencies, the Bureau will not regard a person to be married by virtue of being in a domestic partnership, civil union, or other relationship not denominated by law as a marriage. Except as otherwise noted, the Bureau applies this policy to:
- Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) and Regulation B;
- Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA);
- Interstate Land Sales Disclosure Act (ILSA) and Regulation J;
- Truth in Lending Act (TILA) and Regulation Z;
- Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) and Regulation X.