LGBT Family Law

NYC LGBT Family Law Attorney

Inclusive Legal Support for LGBTQ+ Families

15+
Years LGBT Experience
300+
LGBT Families Helped
100%
Inclusive Practice
24/7
Support Available

Dedicated LGBT Family Law Representation

Every family deserves respectful, knowledgeable legal representation. Our LGBT family law attorneys understand the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ families and provide compassionate, expert guidance through divorce, custody, adoption, and other family law matters.

LGBT Family Law Services

Same-sex divorce and separation
Child custody and visitation
Second-parent adoption
Surrogacy agreements
Assisted reproduction law
Domestic partnership dissolution

Unique Considerations in LGBT Divorce

  • Date of marriage vs. length of relationship
  • Property acquired before marriage equality
  • Multi-state marriage and divorce issues
  • Parental rights for non-biological parents
  • Custody when only one parent has legal recognition
  • Division of jointly-owned property pre-marriage
  • Recognition of out-of-state marriages
  • Federal vs. state benefit considerations

Parenting Rights We Protect

Second-Parent Adoption

Securing legal rights for non-biological parents

Co-Parent Agreements

Establishing parental rights and responsibilities

Surrogacy Contracts

Protecting intended parents' rights

Donor Agreements

Clear terms for sperm/egg donation

Building Your Family

1Family Planning

Legal guidance on surrogacy, adoption, and ART options

2Documentation

Drafting agreements to protect parental rights

3Legal Recognition

Securing parentage through adoption or court orders

4Interstate Issues

Ensuring recognition across state lines

5Protection

Estate planning and guardianship provisions

Custody Challenges We Address

De facto parent recognition
Tri-parent or multi-parent families
Interstate custody disputes
International custody issues
Grandparent and relative rights
Religious or cultural objections

Experienced and Inclusive Representation

We provide judgment-free, knowledgeable representation for all families. Our attorneys stay current on evolving LGBT family law, understand the intersection of state and federal regulations, and fight fiercely to protect your family's rights and interests.

Additional Services

  • Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
  • Name changes and gender marker corrections
  • Domestic violence protection
  • Estate planning for LGBT families
  • Healthcare proxies and directives
  • Immigration issues for binational couples
  • Religious divorce proceedings
  • Mediation and collaborative divorce

Frequently Asked Questions

How is same-sex divorce different from opposite-sex divorce?

Legally, the process is the same, but unique issues may arise regarding the date of the relationship, parental rights for non-biological parents, and division of pre-marriage equality assets.

Can both same-sex parents have custody rights?

Yes, through second-parent adoption, both parents can have equal legal rights. Without adoption, the non-biological parent may need to establish de facto parent status.

What if we married in another state?

New York recognizes valid out-of-state marriages. We can handle your divorce in NYC if you meet residency requirements, regardless of where you married.

How do we protect our parental rights?

Second-parent adoption is the strongest protection, even for married couples. We also recommend comprehensive parenting agreements and estate planning documents.

Ready to Protect Your Rights?

Get experienced legal representation from NYC's premier divorce attorneys

SPODEK LAW GROUP

TREATING YOU LIKE FAMILY SINCE 1976

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

24/7 Free Consultation • No Obligation Case Review

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