LGBTQ Family Law

LGBT FAMILY LAW IN FLORIDA

Given the current state of the laws in Florida, members of the LGBT community often wonder where to turn for advice and help on handling family law issues. Family Diplomacy prides itself on offering an open, friendly, and supportive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals. We will strive to find a LGBT Family Law solution that is tailored to you and your family’s needs.

COLLABORATIVE FAMILY LAW FOR SAME SEX SPOUSES AND PARTNERS

You don’t need to go through the public adversarial court system to resolve personal family matters.  Family Diplomacy recommends that Tampa Bay same sex spouses and partners utilize the private, respectful dispute resolution process of Collaborative Family Law.

In the Collaborative Process, attorneys are retained solely to settle disputes privately.  Lawyers are contractually barred from bringing contested issues to be decided by a judge. A facilitator, who is normally a trained mental health professional, is engaged to keep everyone focused on the best interests of the family and the children, if any.  The facilitator also keeps communication respectful and productive. A financial professional is oftentimes involved to help untangle the combined assets and debts of the parties (under Florida and Federal law, this can be an especially technical undertaking for same sex relationships) and provide options for support.

Adam B. Cordover is an internationally-recognized leader and trainer in collaborative practice.  He has presented on the topic of the use of collaborative practice for LGBT family law matters in Florida to judges, attorneys, mental health professionals, and financial professionals in Tampa, Sarasota, and Orlando.  He is also a co-author of an upcoming American Bar Association book on collaborative family law.

LGBT CHILD CUSTODY RIGHTS AND PARENTING PLANS

Gay and lesbian parents often fear that their sexual orientation will be a negative determining factor in a child custody case. Fortunately, there is a body of Florida case law which stands for the proposition that the mere fact that a parent is gay cannot affect that parent’s custody rights. Attorney Adam B. Cordover has successfully argued for child custody rights on behalf of alternative families.  Find out how Adam can help you in your LGBT Family Law matter.

SAME SEX DIVORCE

Adam B. Cordover has been on the cutting edge of the issue of same-sex divorce in Florida. He was involved in the first same-sex divorce case in the state to challenge the Defense of Marriage Act and Constitutional Amendment barring recognition of same-sex marriages.   Adam will walk you through all of your questions about divorce, such as “What about my kids?“, “What happens to my money and property?” and “How do I get divorced?”  Contact us to find out how we may be able to help your family.

SURROGACY FOR SAME-SEX COUPLES

Are you considering gestational surrogacy?  Do you have a surrogate who has agreed to have your child?  Or do you want to learn how to find a healthy and qualified surrogate mother through a reputable agency?  Do you need an attorney to guide you through the legal requirements of surrogacy and draft a surrogacy agreement?  Are you looking for a lawyer to review a surrogacy agreement with an intended mother?  Working with Family Diplomacy, you can rest assured that your surrogacy matter will be handled with respect, privacy, and a steady hand.

SECOND PARENT ADOPTION, STEPPARENT ADOPTION, AND OTHER ADOPTION OPTIONS

As recently as a few years ago, Florida banned gay and lesbian individuals from adopting children. However, Florida now has adoption options for the LGBT community. You may have questions regarding same sex adoptions or the possibility to become a second parent to your partner’s children. You may even now be eligible for a stepparent adoption! Family Diplomacy will provide you with an overview of your family rights and tailor a plan for your specific situation.

NAME CHANGE FOR LGBT INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES

Whether you wish to honor your partner by taking on his or her last name, you wish your family to all have the same surname, or you are a transgender individual who wants have a legal name change, Family Diplomacy can help you traverse the legal process to obtain a legal change of name.