LGBTQ+ Family Law Divorce Attorneys Serving Tempe & Chandler

Navigating family law can feel particularly daunting for members of the LGBTQ+ community in Tempe or Chandler, AZ. Whether seeking to establish parental rights, going through a divorce, or looking to protect your estate and assets, you need an advocate and ally in your corner.

For LGBTQ+ individuals and families, family law issues are not just legal hurdles; they are profound life events that touch on core aspects of identity, love, and the desire for equal treatment under the law.

The journey to establish parental rights, for instance, is not only about legal documentation but about affirming one’s rightful place in a child’s life, securing the ability to make decisions, provide care, and build a lasting bond.

At Blake & Pulsifer, we remain deeply committed to advocating for the rights and dignity of the LGBTQ+ community. We recognize the courage it takes to seek legal help in situations that feel intensely private and potentially vulnerable. Our goal is to provide a space where your concerns are heard, your rights are vigorously defended, and your family is protected.

Our LGBTQ+ Family Law Services

The landscape of family law for LGBTQ+ families has evolved significantly, yet many legal challenges remain. Our firm is equipped to navigate these complexities, offering a range of services tailored to LGBTQ+ families:

Divorce & Parental Rights

• Divorce and Legal Separation: Compassionate support through divorce or separation, including division of assets, child support, spousal support, and other marital agreements.
• Custody Agreements: Crafting custody agreements that reflect the best interest of the child, recognizing the unique dynamics of LGBTQ+ families.
• Parental Rights: Ensuring that both parents, regardless of biological connection, have their parental rights recognized and protected.

Estate Planning

• Wills and Trusts: Creating comprehensive estate plans that reflect your wishes and provide for your loved ones.
• Healthcare Directives and Powers of Attorney: Ensuring that you and your partner have the necessary legal documents to make decisions for each other in need.

LGBTQ+ Family Law FAQs

How Is Marital Property Divided In A Same-Sex Divorce? LGBTQ+ couples may be curious about how the law views the division of assets and debts accumulated during their marriage, especially if their marriage was recognized after many years of cohabitation.

In general, the division of marital property during a divorce is governed by state law. Arizona, for instance, is a community property state, meaning that any assets and debts acquired by either spouse during the marriage are considered joint property and are usually divided equally in the event of a divorce. However, the question of handling property and debts accumulated during cohabitation before marriage becomes legally recognized is more nuanced.

In some cases, if an LGBTQ+ couple can prove that they had a partnership-like relationship and shared finances with the intention of being treated as a married couple before their legal marriage, the court may consider assets and debts from this period as part of the marital estate. However, this can vary significantly depending on the specifics of each case and the evidence presented.

How Can a Non-Biological Parent Establish Legal Parentage? For non-biological parents in LGBTQ+ families, establishing legal parentage is essential for securing their rights and responsibilities towards their child. Various legal avenues, such as second-parent adoption, step-parent adoption, legal guardianship, parentage orders, and de facto parentage, offer ways to formalize this relationship.

Second-parent and step-parent adoptions are particularly significant, granting the non-biological parent the same legal status as the biological parent. In cases involving assisted reproductive technology (ART), parentage orders and legal agreements before the child’s birth can outline the intentions and rights of each parent, though formal adoption or legal steps are often necessary for full legal recognition. Given the complexity and variance in laws across locations, consulting with a family lawyer experienced in LGBTQ+ family law is crucial.

What Are Issues Transgender Parents May Face in Custody and Visitation? Transgender parents navigating custody and visitation arrangements may encounter unique challenges due to societal biases and legal complexities surrounding gender identity. Although courts should prioritize the child’s best interest—focusing on stability, emotional bonds, and the parent’s caregiving ability—transgender parents might still face prejudices.

They need to secure legal representation from family law attorneys skilled in LGBTQ+ family law to protect their rights. At Blake & Pulsifer, we can help address issues related to the legal documentation of gender transition and advocate for fair treatment in custody decisions. Ultimately, experienced legal support is crucial in overcoming potential biases and emphasizing the parent’s role in providing a loving and stable environment for their child, regardless of the parent’s transgender status.

Why Choose Blake & Pulsifer?

Our team of Arizona family law attorneys are not only knowledgeable about the laws affecting LGBTQ+ families but are also sensitive to the nuances and challenges that can arise. We stay abreast of the latest legal developments to provide our clients with the most current and effective legal strategies.

We believe in a personalized approach to legal representation. Every family is unique, and we take the time to understand your specific situation, needs, and goals.

Beyond legal representation, we are advocates for the LGBTQ+ community’s rights and dignity. We understand the importance of having legal support that fights for your rights in the courtroom and respects and understands your family dynamics.

Contact Our Tempe LGBTQ+ Lawyers Today

At Blake & Pulsifer, we understand that families come in all shapes and sizes, and each one deserves legal representation that is both empathetic and informed. We are committed to serving the LGBTQ+ community in Tempe, Chandler, and the surrounding Arizona areas. Our Tempe family law attorneys recognize the unique challenges and legal intricacies faced by LGBTQ+ families, and we are dedicated to providing comprehensive legal services tailored to meet these specific needs.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can support you and your family. Call us today at 1-480-838-3000 or fill out our confidential contact form.

Our LGBTQ+ Family Law Lawyers: