LGBTQ FAMILY LAW IN TEXAS

Just a few years ago, gay and lesbian couples were unable to get married in Texas. But as of 2015, the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage across the country, meaning thousands of couples have been able to become family in the eyes of the law.

Of course, just because same-sex marriage is technically legal doesn’t mean there isn’t still discrimination. And there are many other family law issues that LGBTQ couples can face – some unique to the LGBTQ community, and some not.

At C.E. Borman, we believe a family is a family. That’s why we use our decades of experience in family law to protect our LGBTQ clients’ rights and fight for what’s best for their families.

As LGBTQ couples now have the same marriage rights as straight couples, they also have to contend with the legal issues that can arise from marriage, such as divorce.

Below are some of the cases that an experienced LGBTQ family lawyer can help you with:

• Divorce: The divorce process is mostly the same for all couples, regardless of gender or sexuality. Your attorney will help you file, serve your spouse, negotiate the terms of your settlement, and go to court if necessary.
• Child Custody and Support: The laws around child custody and support are also the same for all couples. With your attorney by your side, you and your child’s other parent will come to an agreement about their living situation, visitation, and other important questions regarding your child’s upbringing.
• Adoption: Your attorney can help you find an agency, undergo the screening process, and fill out all the necessary paperwork to become adoptive parents. There is also a process known as second parent adoption that allows your partner to legally adopt your biological child.
• Gestational Surrogacy Agreements: If you choose to conceive a child through a surrogate, we can connect you with resources to find a surrogate, and help you draft an agreement that protects your rights to custody.
• Cohabitation/Partnership Agreements: Some couples choose not to get married. In these cases, we can help you draft a cohabitation agreement, a property agreement, and any other official documents that will help protect your legal rights as a couple.
• Wills and Estate Planning: Similarly, we can help you draft documents to plan for the event of death or incapacitation, such as ​​wills, HIPPA releases, advance directives for healthcare, powers of attorney, and declarations of guardian both for adults and minor children.

At C.E. Borman, we understand that nothing is more important to our clients than family. Regardless of what your family may look like, we make it our job to protect your interests and the interests of your family at all costs.

If you’re seeking legal advice on family matters, it’s absolutely crucial that you find a lawyer with experience in LGBTQ issues, and knowledge of the local court system. Here are some of the reasons why:

• We understand the unique needs of our clients in the LGBTQ community.
• We can connect you and your family to vital resources, such as counselors, mediators, and benefit programs.
• We take the lead on paperwork so you can focus on yourself and your family.
• We know the local Brazos County court system inside and out.
• We keep up with legislation and changes in the law so you always have the most up-to-date information.
• When push comes to shove, we will take your case to court and represent you in hearings and trials.