Chicago Gay and Lesbian Family Law Attorneys

Are You in Need of a Chicago Family Law Attorney?

LGBTQ+ individuals and couples in Chicago face many of the same family law challenges as anyone else, but often with added legal and emotional complexity. At Nottage and Ward, LLP, we have been proud advocates for gay and lesbian individuals and families for decades. We provide thoughtful, strategic representation for LGBTQ+ clients navigating divorce, civil union dissolution, the allocation of parental responsibilities, and other family law matters.

Whether you’re ending a marriage, dividing property, or resolving a dispute over parental responsibilities, LGBTQ+ individuals and couples deserve legal counsel that not only understands family law, but also the unique issues that can affect same-sex families.

You may benefit from working with a Chicago LGBTQ+-focused family law attorney if:

• You are ending a same-sex marriage or dissolving a civil union
• You and your partner have children and need to allocate parental responsibilities
• You are seeking to establish legal parentage as a non-biological parent
• You have concerns about the division of property acquired before marriage equality laws
• You have a co-parenting agreement that needs legal enforcement or modification
• You want to ensure your family structure is legally protected

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Why Choose Us Over Other Family Law Attorneys in Chicago?

At Nottage and Ward, LLP, we have been at the forefront of LGBTQ+ family law in Illinois. We know how to approach these cases with both legal precision and cultural competence.

Here’s why clients across Chicago choose Nottage and Ward, LLP:

• Over 35 years of experience providing family law services in Chicago
• Listed in the Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers
• Recognized advocates for same-sex couples and LGBTQIA+ families navigating divorce, parenting, and financial matters
• Skilled in handling allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time for same-sex parents
• Trusted guidance on civil unions, marriage, and dissolution with sensitivity and discretion
• Experienced in maintenance, property division, and financial planning for high-net-worth LGBTQIA+ clients
• Committed to offering personalized strategies that reflect each family’s unique circumstances
• Known for balancing strength and compassion in every case, ensuring both fairness and respect.

Every Family Deserves Fair Representation

From high-asset divorce to parenting arrangements, Nottage and Ward, LLP offers inclusive, client-centered strategies. Reach out today at (312) 332-2915.

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LGBTQIA+ Family Law in Illinois: A Brief History

In 1973, homosexuality was removed from the American Psychiatric Association's list of mental illnesses, but it wasn’t until after the historical events at Stonewall that gay rights took a turn in the United States. Through the hard work of nonprofit organizations and liberal political leaders, gay marriage was finally legalized in 2015. Arriving at this moment took many decades of advocacy and should be viewed as a tremendous victory.

Illinois’s same-sex marriage law took effect on June 1, 2014. Couples who entered into civil unions could convert them into marriage licenses backdated to when their civil union ceremonies were held. Those who chose to have a wedding could still convert their unions and have the new ceremony date issued on the license.

On June 26, 2015, the United States Supreme Court struck down all same-sex marriage bans in the country. Though same-sex marriage is legal, many laws still threaten equality for homosexuals in fields such as housing, employment, and family building. And of course, same-sex couples face the same difficulties as heterosexual couples when it comes to family conflict.

Inclusive Support for Complex Family Law Matters

Whether you are a professional, business owner, or part of the LGBTQIA+ community, our attorneys are here to guide you through life’s most challenging transitions. Contact us at (312) 332-2915.

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Services Provided

Nottage and Ward, LLP solely focuses on family law to help people through sensitive situations. Through tireless efforts and expert courtroom techniques, Nottage and Ward, LLP has defended the rights of family members since 1988. Our team of experienced attorneys offers immediate consultations and professional legal guidance.

At Nottage and Ward, LLP, we provide quality legal representation in the following areas:

Prenuptial agreements

We understand that the subject of prenups can be a very difficult subject to discuss, however, the challenging conversation can often build long-lasting trust in the relationship and strengthen the bond of marriage. Often, a prenuptial agreement serves as necessary financial protection for both partners in the relationship and a guaranteed insurance for the future.

A prenuptial agreement can be a valuable tool for opening lines of communication and strengthening your relationship before entering into marriage. This legal document is a written contract between spouses that is signed prior to marriage, and which typically designates how the couple will handle the division of money, debts, investment portfolios, and other financial assets should they decide later to divorce.

While these types of agreements are viewed by many people as unromantic and a signal that one or both spouses expect the marriage to fail, the truth is often the opposite. Couples with prenuptial agreements often find that their marriage is stronger because they took the time to clearly lay out who has control of what assets and provide security for the future.

Adoption

Same sex adoption became legal when the Supreme Court allowed same-sex marriage nationally. Though Illinois accepted civil unions in 2011, same-sex marriages only became legalized in 2013.

Since the historic movement, some courts have pushed back on the allowance and expressed concern that children raised in LGBTQIA+ households can experience difficulties in personal and psychological development, self-esteem, and social and peer relationships. This regard made adoption more difficult for LGBTQIA+ couples.

We can assist gay couples with the adoption process whether you plan to adopt your partner's biological child or go through an agency – domestic or abroad. We will ensure that bringing a new member into your family is a smooth, pleasant, and memorable experience.

Whether you’re adopting as a couple or as a single person, Illinois law states that any “reputable person of legal age and of either sex” can petition to adopt. The court implies that this also includes same-sex couples and has moved progressively towards LGBTQIA+ adoptions.

Divorce

Whether it involves heterosexual or gay couples, a divorce can be a heartbreaking, emotional process that is also legally complex. We will advocate on your behalf and work to get the best possible results for you. A divorce or separation usually involves a number of contentious issues including maintenance, child allocation, child support, parenting time, and property division.

Gay couples face additional challenges when it comes to divorce. For example, when dividing assets, determining how long the marriage existed can sometimes be difficult. The duration of the marriage versus the cohabitation of the couple can come into question when a separation is necessary and property must be sorted.

Mediation

Divorces can be tough on a couple and during this sensitive time, conflict resolution is vital. Emotions can complicate a divorce and make an already intense situation harder than it needs to be. Nottage and Ward, LLP fairly moderates conversations and helps negotiate terms between separating couples so that each partner leaves satisfied.

Allocation of Parental Responsibilities

Domestic Violence

Nottage and Ward, LLP handles each domestic violence case with sensitivity while defending your privacy and we have years of experience in all types of family law.

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What Our Clients Are Saying About Us

A true family advocate -Jennifer (5-Star Avvo Review)

A true family advocate, Mr. Knipmeyer is a matter-of-fact attorney. He gets to the heart of the matter and gets results. I was also impressed with the office as a whole. I always knew what was going on with my case and my concerns were always addressed quickly. I know he had other clients, but it never felt that way. When it comes to my family, I would not settle for anything but the best representation, and that is why I selected Mr. Knipmeyer.

A GREAT LAWYER! - Jessica (5-Star Avvo Review)

A GREAT LAWYER! Jeff helped me through a long and protracted divorce. His patience and unerring knowledge and instincts were of great benefit to me. He is a smart, funny man with killer instincts! I recommend him and his talents with no reservations.

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Chicago LGBTQIA+ Family Law Lawyers Protecting Your Rights

The LGBTQIA+ journey has been a challenging one, but some significant progress has been made. Though same sex marriage and adoption rights have been granted in Illinois, there are still other challenges that face our LGBTQIA+ community including custody rights, prenuptial agreements, and divorce arrangements.

At Nottage and Ward, LLP, we understand that family law issues may seem similar for all couples. However, we also know that there are a number of important issues and concerns that are unique to the LGBTQIA+ community. We work diligently to ensure that your specific needs are addressed and that your rights are protected every step of the way.

To schedule a consultation, please contact our Chicago office at (312) 332-2915. We are here to help.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do same-sex couples have the same divorce rights in Illinois as opposite-sex couples?

Yes. Same-sex couples are entitled to the same divorce rights under Illinois law, including the division of marital property, maintenance (formerly alimony), and the allocation of parental responsibilities. However, legal nuances, especially concerning property acquired before marriage equality, often require experienced representation.

What legal challenges do non-biological parents in same-sex relationships face?

How are parental responsibilities determined for gay and lesbian parents?

Can I still dissolve a civil union in Illinois?

Yes. Civil unions are still legally recognized, and parties can file for dissolution under Illinois law. These proceedings are similar to divorce and involve dividing assets, determining maintenance, and resolving parenting matters, if applicable.

What happens if we raised a child together, but only one of us is the legal parent?

If you're not the legal parent, you may not have automatic rights. But Illinois courts can still allocate parental responsibilities if it's in the child’s best interest. We help non-biological parents establish or assert their role through parentage proceedings or negotiated agreements.

Do same-sex spouses need prenuptial agreements?

Yes, especially if either party owns a business, has significant assets, or is entering a second marriage. Prenuptial agreements help clarify financial expectations and protect both parties, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.

How do we divide property acquired before same-sex marriage was legal?

This is a difficult issue. Assets acquired before legal recognition of marriage may not automatically qualify as marital property. We help clients make equitable arguments for asset division based on cohabitation history, financial contribution, and intent.

What if my spouse and I married in another state before Illinois recognized same-sex marriage?

Illinois recognizes out-of-state same-sex marriages. If you married elsewhere, you can still file for divorce in Illinois, provided you meet residency requirements.

Can same-sex partners adopt jointly in Illinois?

Yes, Illinois law allows for joint adoption by same-sex partners. While Nottage and Ward does not handle adoption cases, we assist clients in related legal matters such as parentage, parenting agreements, and protecting parenting rights during divorce.

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Meet Our Attorneys

Leslie Fineberg

Leslie Fineberg is a seasoned family law attorney and partner at Nottage and Ward, LLP. With over 30 years of experience, she focuses her practice on high-net-worth divorce, the allocation of parental responsibilities, maintenance, and complex financial matters. Leslie is known for her calm, strategic advocacy and her ability to guide clients through emotionally sensitive legal issues with clarity and strength.

She has represented professionals, business owners, and individuals in high-conflict family law cases, including those involving same-sex relationships and non-traditional family structures. Her approach combines empathy with precision, ensuring that each client’s rights and goals are thoughtfully protected.

Leslie Fineberg is licensed to practice law in Illinois.

Jeffrey Knipmeyer

Jeffrey Knipmeyer is the managing partner at Nottage and Ward, LLP and a dedicated family law attorney with more than 25 years of experience. He concentrates his practice on high-net-worth divorce, complex property division, maintenance, and the allocation of parental responsibilities. Jeff is especially skilled at navigating legal issues involving business ownership, financial portfolios, and non-traditional family structures.

Widely respected for his strategic approach and calm, solutions-focused representation, Jeff also works extensively with same-sex couples and LGBTQ+ individuals in matters of divorce, civil union dissolution, and parentage.

Jeffrey Knipmeyer is licensed to practice law in Illinois.

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Additional Information

• FAQs About Same Sex Divorce in Illinois
• Same-Sex Marriage & Prenuptial Agreements: Items of Note
• Now That Gay Marriage is Legal in Illinois, What Becomes of Civil Unions?