Houston LGBTQ+ Family Law Attorney

Now that same-sex marriage is legal in Houston LGBTQ+ family law attorneys are seeing more and more LGBTQ+ clients who need their services. Just because same-sex couples had to wait until 2017 to get married doesn’t mean their marriages are perfect. They face the same issues that traditional married couples do.

The same is true of LGBTQ+ clients who want to adopt a child. The Texas adoption process can be confusing for anyone. When you compound it with the issues facing LGBTQ+ parents, it can be quite intimidating. This is why Eddington & Worley has decided it’s important to have an attorney who is an expert at helping LGBTQ+ clients in Houston, Texas.

The law isn’t really designed as a do-it-yourself process. Yes, there are websites promising to make legal procedures as easy as a one-click document. However, things are rarely this easy. LGBTQ+ attorneys spend years learning the law. They have practiced under supervising attorneys so that they can face any legal challenge put in front of them.

LGBTQ+ clients face even more complications when it comes to legal matters. They have to face the bias that exists in judges, the court and juries. Even if we hate to admit it, this is the truth. LGBTQ+ couples deserve exceptional legal representation. Eddington & Worley can promise this.

Some of the matters that LGBTQ+ lawyers in Houston handle include, but aren’t limited to:

• Divorce
• Adoptions
• Child custody disputes
• Child support issues
• Custody and Child Support Modifications
• Pre-nuptial agreements

Thankfully, the LGBTQ+ attorneys at Eddington & Worley have decades of combined experience handling these issues. And they’re sensitive to the unique needs of the LGBTQ+ community. They make it their mission to help all clients achieve their goals. This is true whether you’re looking to get married or adopt a child.

How Are Houston LGBTQ+ Family Law Lawyers Different from Family Law Attorneys?

When it comes to the practice of law, LGBTQ+ attorneys aren’t all that different from other family law attorneys. For the most part, the law doesn’t change just because the client is LGBTQ+. However, the perception and application of the law does change.

A lot of people think that Houston LGBTQ+ family law matters are handled differently. This isn’t the case. However, this doesn’t mean they aren’t treated differently. There are nuances to LGBTQ+ cases that you don’t see with traditional family law matters. It’s your lawyer’s job to make sure these things don’t affect your legal rights.

As LGBTQ+ clients, you may be treated unfairly by the court system. This isn’t right but it is what it is. This is why it’s so important that you have an experienced LGBTQ+ attorney by your side. He knows what to look for in the way of bias and unfair treatment. He also knows how to ensure that your case is handled fairly.

The biggest difference between LGBTQ+ lawyers and Houston family law attorneys is the experience. If you were filing a case under the ADA, you’d want a lawyer who had experience representing disabled clients. If you’re looking to file an LGBTQ+ action in the Texas courts, why wouldn’t you want a lawyer who has experience handling cases for LGBTQ+ clients?

It’s important to the LGBTQ+ attorneys at Eddington & Worley in Houston, Texas that they offer their clients expert representation. They will always have your best interests at heart. They won’t allow your sexual orientation to affect your legal outcomes.

How Are LGBTQ+ Divorces Handled in Houston, Texas?

An LGBTQ+ divorce is handled almost the same as a traditional divorce. Two people who were legally married end their union. This has to be done through the courts. The parties have to agree to basic terms in the divorce. They also have to attend a hearing to get their divorce finalized.

If a same-sex couple wants to get divorced, they have to follow the same process as a traditional married couple. You have to file a divorce complaint and draft a Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA.) You have to work out all custody and support issues prior to the divorce being finalized. And, you’ll have to deal with the distribution of debts and assets.

The difference for LGBTQ+ couples who divorce is that there could be unique issues with child custody. If the couple has an adopted child, there could be issues of parental rights. If only one of the partners legally adopted the child, does their spouse have legal rights? This is something LGBTQ+ lawyers can handle.

If you didn’t adopt the child you raised with your partner, your LGBTQ+ attorney will have to ensure that you receive visitation rights. You should also continue to have a say in how that child is raised. You should have an opinion on things like education, healthcare, and religion. Your Houston, Texas LGBTQ+ attorney can protect these rights.

Is the Process for Adoption the Same for LGBTQ+ Parents in Houston, Texas?

Just like with divorce, the process for a legal adoption doesn’t change just because you’re LGBTQ+. However, you will face unique issues as LGBTQ+ adoptive parents. For example, typically, only one of the same-sex partners applies for the adoption. This means that only one of you will legally be the child’s parent.

Your LGBTQ+ attorney in Houston can work to make sure both parents are included in the adoption. This can make things much easier down the road should you decide to get divorced. There’s no reason why a same-sex couple shouldn’t be allowed to adopt a child together.

The issues are more complex than just the process. Your LGBTQ+ lawyer will have to make sure the home study is conducted fairly. They won’t allow the court or caseworker to judge you based on your LGBTQ+ status. They also have to pay attention to intrusive questions asked by the attorney ad litem.

Generally speaking, the adoption process is the same for LGBTQ+ parents and heterosexual parents. However, the system is operated and managed by people. This means there is always a chance for bias and prejudice. Your lawyer will work hard to prevent these things from impacting your adoption.

Contact a Texas LGBTQ+ Lawyer to Schedule a Consultation

If you’re LGBTQ+ and are looking to file for divorce or adopt a child, you’re going to need an experienced LGBTQ+ attorney in Houston, Texas. LGBTQ+ attorneys can handle all sorts of issues, including:

• Separation
• Alimony
• Child Visitation Disputes
• Adoption Issues
• Distribution of Assets
• Pre-Nuptial and Post-Nuptial Agreements

As an LGBTQ+ client, you will face certain and unique issues in the family court system. Some of the more complicated issues involve custody and adoptions. The system makes it more difficult for LGBTQ+ members to adopt children. They don’t do this in an obvious fashion, of course.

Your LGBTQ+ attorney knows how to spot unfair treatment. They can step in and make sure your case is handled fairly. Call and schedule your initial consultation today.

When you meet with your LGBTQ+ attorney for the first time, be prepared. Make sure you come to the office ready to discuss the following:

• The current issue you’re facing
• What outcome you’d like to see
• What’s transpired so far in your case
• What parties may be involved already
• Any communications and correspondence you’ve received regarding the matter

Your LGBTQ+ lawyer will sit down with you and discuss your case in detail. He can answer any questions you may have. He can also explain how the system works when it comes to things like divorce, adoption, and custody.

Don’t let yourself become a victim of the system. When it comes to family law matters, there is always a lot at stake. You want to have an experienced LGBTQ+ attorney by your side to make sure things go smoothly.

Contact Eddington Worley today and schedule your initial consultation. There are attorneys standing by ready to answer any questions you may have.