Protect Your LGBT Parenting Rights

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Legal Issues Faced By LGBT Parents 

LGBT individuals working toward parenthood can face unique legal challenges when it comes to LGBT parental rights, whether they plan on adopting, fostering, or making donor arrangements. Legal concerns for prospective LGBT parents generally come down to the state you live in, your desired path to parenthood, and your relationship status. The language of the law in Texas often presupposes a two-person heterosexual relationship, which can result in a gray area surrounding LGBT legal rights. You can navigate this with the help of an experienced Goranson Bain Ausley family law attorney who is well-versed in the issues surrounding same-sex couples and legal parental rights.

How Can Goranson Bain Ausley Help You? 

Second Parent Adoption

Second-parent adoption is the most common way for a non-biological parent to secure their legal parental rights. It gives both partners equal legal status in terms of their relationship to the child. Second-parent adoption is strongly recommended for LGBT individuals, even if they are married to their child’s biological parent, to ensure that LGBT parenting rights are upheld.

Single Parent Adoption   

There are many misconceptions about the ability to adopt children if you do not fit within a specific set of criteria. Contrary to popular belief, individuals are able to adopt in the state of Texas whether they are single, married, divorced, or widowed. LGBT parental rights are largely the same in these cases. There are, however, other factors that may affect your journey toward adoption. For that reason, it’s best to speak to an experienced family law attorney about your options.

LGBT Divorce 

There are specific factors that may influence LGBT parenting rights in the event of a divorce. For example, the court may favor a biological parent over the non-biological parent when it comes to child custody if the non-biological parent has not established their same-sex parenting rights by formally adopting the child.

Child Custody

Couples going through an LGBT divorce have the same options when it comes to child custody scheduling if they are both legal parents. Between legal parents, there is no preference between biological and non-biological parents in child custody cases. If you and your co-parent need to set up, modify, or enforce a child custody agreement, an experienced Goranson Bain Ausley attorney can help you protect your same-sex couple parental rights.

Resources for LGBT Parents 

LGBT Parental Rights by Texas Legal Services Center

Speak With One of Our Experienced Texas Family Law Attorneys

At Goranson Bain Ausley, we believe in the strength and dignity of all families. Our experienced family law attorneys in AustinDallasFort WorthGranbury, and Plano are dedicated to providing answers, advice, and guidance to our LGBT clients in a safe, inclusive environment. If you face obstacles in your parenting journey as an LGBT individual, contact an experienced Goranson Bain Ausley attorney today for help with protecting your same-sex parental rights in Texas.

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