LGBTQ+ Family Law Attorney Serving Plantation And Broward County
If you are facing a divorce, working to establish parental rights or planning how to grow your family, you deserve an attorney who understands your family and treats you with respect. The Law Office of Kenneth J. Louie provides personalized family law representation to LGBTQ+ individuals and couples in Plantation, Fort Lauderdale and throughout Broward County.
As a small, hands-on firm, The Law Office of Kenneth J. Louie stays closely involved with each client and case. I, attorney Kenneth J. Louie, take the time to learn what you want to accomplish and develop a legal strategy around those goals.
Divorce Representation For Same-Sex Couples In Florida
In Florida, same-sex couples generally follow the same divorce laws as other married couples. However, your legal history as a couple may raise questions about property, prior legal documents or agreements.
You may need to address questions involving:
- A marriage performed in another state
- Property or assets you acquired before marriage
- Legal documents created before you married
- A prenuptial or postnuptial agreement
These details can make the history of your relationship important to your divorce. I can help you identify the issues involved and pursue a strategy based on what you want to accomplish.
Second-Parent Adoption For LGBTQ+ Parents
If you are a nonbiological parent, your relationship with your child may be just as meaningful as a biological parent’s relationship. You may also want legal protection for that relationship.
Second-parent adoption can legally recognize you as a parent when you are not the child’s biological parent. In the circumstances allowed by Florida law, it can establish your legal parental relationship without requiring the biological parent to give up their parental rights. Those rights can matter when making decisions for your child or protecting your relationship if your family’s circumstances change.
I can help you understand whether second-parent adoption is appropriate for your family and guide you through the legal process.
Protecting Your Parental Rights And Co-Parenting Relationship
If you fear losing time with your child or facing a dispute with your co-parent, you need to know what rights you have and what steps you can take.
For nonbiological parents, how you established your legal relationship with your child may affect a custody dispute. Your family’s history and your role in your child’s life may also affect the issues involved.
The Law Office of Kenneth J. Louie represents parents dealing with custody and co-parenting matters and can help you understand your options.
Prenuptial And Postnuptial Agreements For Same-Sex Couples
Having a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement can help you and your partner establish clear expectations about property, finances and other issues before or during your marriage.
If you are entering a marriage with significant assets, a business or children from a previous relationship, an agreement may address:
- Property and other assets
- Financial responsibilities
- Spousal support
- Business interests
- Children from prior relationships
For same-sex couples, these agreements can also address financial circumstances shaped by your relationship before marriage was legally available. I can help you and your partner evaluate your circumstances and address the issues that matter to you.
Legal Guidance For Surrogacy And Assisted Reproduction
If you are building your family through surrogacy or assisted reproductive technology, you may have questions about parentage, legal agreements and the steps involved in establishing your family.
These arrangements can involve legal considerations that vary based on your circumstances. I can discuss your plans with you and help determine whether legal guidance may be appropriate for your family.
Common Questions About LGBTQ+ Family Law
Your circumstances may raise questions that do not have simple answers. Here are a few common questions about divorce, parentage and other family law matters.
Are same-sex divorces different from other divorces in Florida?
Same-sex couples generally follow the same Florida divorce laws as other married couples. However, if you and your spouse were together before you could legally marry, the divorce may involve property you acquired or legal documents you created during those earlier years.
What rights does a non-biological parent have?
If you are not your child’s biological parent, your legal rights may depend on how you became recognized as a parent. This can become particularly important if you separate from your spouse or face a custody dispute.
Can second-parent adoption protect my relationship with my child?
Yes. Second-parent adoption can protect your relationship with your child by giving you legal parental rights. This can help protect your role as a parent if your family circumstances change, including if you and your spouse separate. In some cases, Florida law allows you to become a legal parent while your spouse keeps their parental rights.
Family Law Representation That Respects Your Family
You deserve to work with an attorney who understands your family, listens to your concerns and takes your goals seriously. The Law Office of Kenneth J. Louie takes a personal, hands-on approach to LGBTQ+ family law matters, giving you the opportunity to discuss your situation and understand your legal options before deciding what comes next.
Whether you are considering divorce, seeking to protect your parental rights or planning for your family’s future, getting legal guidance can help you make informed decisions about what matters most to you and your family.
For a free initial consultation, call 954-546-7328 or contact me online.