Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBTQ) Parentage Issues

Chicago LGBTQ Family Law Lawyers Can Help Your Family Expand

The United States Supreme Court decision in the Obergefell vs. Hodges case ruled that state level bans on same sex marriage were unconstitutional. Millions of Americans had waited much of their lives for such a ruling. At last, same sex marriage was legally protected throughout the country.

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LGBTQ Parents Starting Families

Today, more and more Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBTQ) couples are choosing to have families. According to the last U.S. Census in 2010, approximately one quarter of all same sex couples is raising children. LGBTQ couples can become parents in several ways. In many cases, one of the partners may bring along a biological child from a previous relationship. In such a situation, the other partner may choose to legally adopt the child as a step parent would if the biological parent is no longer in the picture. More and more, LGBTQ parents are choosing joint adoption from an outside source. Also, many LGBTQ couples are choosing to have a child through in vitro fertilization (IVF) or a surrogate.

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Complicated Issues Involving Children

If you are in an LGBTQ relationship and thinking of starting or adding to your family, it is important to consult an expert family law attorney. Legal arrangements made at the beginning of the parenting process can prevent disagreements should your relationship go sour in the future. Nottage and Ward, LLP practices family law exclusively, so their attorneys are legal experts on such subjects as divorce, child custody, visitation, adoption, and more. Call our Chicago office today, at (312) 332-2915 to schedule a consultation.

Just like traditional heterosexual relationships and marriages, LGBTQ relationships and marriages can face legal and emotional challenges. But unlike traditional relationships, a judge's or former partner's particular prejudices or religious beliefs can be an issue when determining custody and visitation issues. At Nottage and Ward, LLP we believe LGBTQ parents should have every right that traditional parents have. We are prepared to go into court and fight for the rights any parent deserves.

Like any relationship, an LGBTQ relationship may run into trouble. In that case, there may be custody, visitation, and child support issues to resolve. In most cases, a biological child is more likely to end up with the biological parent. However, this can change if it is proven that the biological parent is not fit to be the primary caregiver. There have been many cases where the adoptive parent has been given custody over a biological parent.

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Contact Nottage and Ward, LLP For Top Rated Legal Assistance

If you are an LGBTQ parent going through a divorce or separation, you need capable representation when it comes to custody, visitation, and child support. If you are in an LGBTQ relationship and would like to adopt a child, you also need to consult an experienced family law attorney. If you're thinking of having a child via IVF or a surrogate parent, expert legal opinion and guidance is vital.

With laws and attitudes changing at a fast pace in our country, and society in general, relationships between all adults and their families are facing new legal and social challenges. At Nottage and Ward, LLP we are passionate about LGBTQ family rights and the rights of families in general.

If you have questions regarding any aspect of family, divorce, or custody law, don't hesitate to call our office at (312) 332-2915 for a consultation. We serve all of northeastern Illinois, including Lake, Cook, McHenry, and DuPage Counties. Call us today.

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Additional Information

• We’ve Built A Wonderful Family
• Types of Adoption Available to Illinois Families
• Anti-Gay Adoption Bill Shot Down by Civil Rights and LGBT Activists in Springfield