Maryland Same Sex Divorce Lawyer Provides Knowledgeable Counsel
Bethesda family law attorney protects the interests of LGBTQ clients
Even before the Supreme Court’s decision in Obergefell v. Hodges allowed same-sex couples around the country to wed, Maryland had instituted marriage equality. Of course, no relationship is guaranteed to last forever, and some LGBTQ couples eventually choose to divorce. Though the letter of the law on marriage dissolution isn’t any different if you’re a same-sex spouse, you might face unique challenges as you approach the divorce process. Located in Bethesda, The Law Office of Stacy B. Talbott, LLC provides comprehensive legal support to LGBTQ clients throughout the area and works diligently to end your marriage on terms that help you make a positive start to the next phase of your life.
Child custody matters involving same sex parents
Establishing parenting rights for partners in a same sex relationship has been even more complicated than the fight to secure marriage equality. Some states still allow adoption agencies and others to discriminate against the LGBTQ community. No matter the situation, same-sex partners who are going through a divorce must take great care when negotiating child custody terms. However, both parties might not agree on what is in the best interests of their sons and daughters and could be compelled to put their parenting plan in a judge’s hands.
Same sex parents who relied on assisted reproductive technology, biological donors or surrogates need to understand the current state of each party’s parental rights. A spouse who has acted as a child’s mother or father for many years could face problems if they never formalized their relationship with the youth. Sometimes, the party who has a biological tie to a child might try to use that to gain a legal advantage. Regardless of the circumstances in your case, attorney Talbott will take the time to understand the unique elements of your family situation and make every effort to achieve a favorable result.
Old laws barring same sex marriage still affect property division and alimony
Marriage is much more than a romantic relationship. It is also a financial partnership that needs to be unwound during the divorce process. If spouses cannot reach mutually agreeable terms on property division and alimony, judges are required to review a series of relevant factors in order to determine what is fair. Frequently, the length of a marriage will be a primary consideration in these decisions, but that factor can be misleading in cases involving same-sex couples who were only recently able to wed. Nationwide marriage equality has existed for less than a decade and there are other reasons why partners in a long-term same sex relationship would delay their wedding, including family reaction and religious concerns.
Even though a long-term relationship could have endured for decades with one party relying on the other for income, the actual marriage might have only lasted a few years. As an experienced attorney representing spouses in same sex divorces, Ms. Talbott brings all of the relevant information to the judge’s attention. When disputes over spousal support and equitable distribution exist, she advocates for a resolution that reflects the true circumstances rather than the legal limitations imposed on parties by the prejudices of others.
Contact an accomplished Maryland attorney for advice on a same sex divorce
The Law Office of Stacy B. Talbott, LLC in Bethesda represents Maryland residents in same sex divorces and a wide array of other family law matters. To schedule a consultation regarding your situation, please call 301-424-7799 or contact her online.
