Every marriage is unique. So too is every divorce. This can be especially true for same-sex couples. Though same-sex couples now enjoy the same right to marry as heterosexual couples, it’s still a fairly recent development in Pennsylvania law. That fact can add...
An LGBT divorce includes reassuring any children who are involved
Deciding to adopt a child as an LGBT couple living in Pennsylvania is a significant responsibility. Immediately, you'll be offering security and trust. Unfortunately, if your relationship deteriorates and you decide to get a divorce, it will likely impact your adopted...
SCOTUS allows an adoption agency to refuse same-sex couples
Catholic Social Services, a Catholic adoption agency in Pennsylvania, found itself under fire after discriminating against LGBTQ individuals by refusing to let them adopt children. In response, the city of Philadelphia argued that, since this adoption agency violated...
Same-sex couples may have more reasons for a prenup
Getting married is an exciting time in your life. For same-sex couples, who received the right to marry through a 2015 U.S. Supreme Court decision, getting married is seen as a victory: They now receive the same rights as other couples entering into marriage. Yet,...
FAQ’s about LGBTQ family law in Pennsylvania
In our constantly changing legal landscape, LGBTQ law has made significant strides over the last few years. The state of Pennsylvania began to legally recognize same-sex marriage on May 20, 2014, thereby giving same-sex couples the same rights as any other couple....
Gaining consent in a stepparent adoption
Not all families look alike, and they most certainly do not always start out the same. Some parents are unwed, others may be single parents, some may be in a traditional family where married parents birth their own children and, in some cases, children are adopted....
Supreme Court will determine same-sex foster parent rights
Since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled five years ago that same-sex marriages must be recognized in this country these couples had many of their rights recognized. But many same-sex family law questions remain. The Supreme Court recently decided to review whether an...
Termination of parental rights may be necessary for same-sex adoption
For same-sex couples in Pennsylvania, adoption can be an exciting, yet confusing process. The good news is that these couples can find success in welcoming a child into their family, but it often requires a sound understanding of the law. This week, then, we’ll take a...
Asset division is complicated in a same-sex divorce
Same-sex couples now have the right to get married anywhere in the United States, but that right has not always given them such freedom. This is important when looking at same-sex divorce cases, especially during the asset division process. As financial experts have...