In the past decade, there has been remarkable progress in the laws concerning the rights of same sex couples. These couples may now marry, providing them with rights and opportunities that had been unavailable for far too long. Unfortunately, not every state gives same-sex couples equivalent parental rights in all cases, which can lead to serious problems when the couple has children.
At the Minnesota-based law office of Steven H. Snyder & Associates, we help same-sex couples grow and protect their families. Our legal team has worked with many same-sex couples looking to start families. Whether you need help working with a donor or need to initiate parentage proceedings, we are confident we will be able to provide you with the guidance you need at such an important time in your life.
Every couple’s situation is unique, and we need to know more about you and your spouse or partner, if any, before we know exactly what is best for you. Together, we will review your specific concerns and develop an approach that allows you to safely start your family. We help with many issues facing same-sex couples, including:
Many same-sex couples think that they will automatically have parental rights after their child is born. However, that is typically not the case. You need to meet with an experienced attorney to ensure that your parental rights are protected. The law is simply decades behind when it comes to same-sex families. We want to do everything that we can to help you make sure that you have the same rights as all other parents. We work together with you to create a plan that will help you protect your family from these potential challenges.
The 2015 Obergefell decision was a significant milestone that granted marriage equality across all states, enhancing the rights of same-sex couples. However, it did not directly address many specific aspects of parenting for same-sex couples. At Steven H. Snyder & Associates, our LGBT lawyers recognize that while this ruling was a leap forward, comprehensive legal guidance is still crucial for securing parental rights.
We recommend that any same-sex couple considering having children get these pieces into place, as appropriate:
You need to protect your family, even though the laws have been moving in a favorable direction. However, these laws are fluid and change state by state.
In many cases, having both names on a birth certificate is not enough to guarantee all parental rights, especially when legal challenges arise or if the family moves to a less friendly jurisdiction. Establishing parentage can secure unequivocal recognition of both parents’ legal rights across all states, providing an additional layer of security for your family.
Yes, our legal documentation process results in court judgments that are enforceable nationwide and often internationally. These documents are designed to withstand scrutiny across different jurisdictions, ensuring that you and your family can travel or relocate without fear of your parental rights being challenged.
Our law firm has been working with same-sex couples for decades. We will work tirelessly to provide you with the help that you need. Whether or not you decide to become our client, we are happy to answer any questions that you may have. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, please call us at 763-296-0672 or send us an email.