SAME-SEX DIVORCE/LGBTQ+ LEGAL SERVICES
Denver Same-Sex Marriage Attorney
Denver Same-Sex Marriage and Divorce Attorney
Just as everyone has a right to marry in Colorado, so, does everyone have the right to obtain a divorce. Although the facts vary substantially in each case, the general process of the dissolution of a legal marriage remains consistent.
Same-Sex Marriage/LGBTQ+ Legal Services
Just as everyone has the right to marry in Colorado, everyone also has the right to obtain a divorce when a marriage comes to an end. While each divorce case is unique, with facts and circumstances that vary substantially, the general process of dissolving a legal marriage remains consistent across the state. However, given the recent changes to Colorado laws, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced attorney when facing a family law issue, even if you believe the matter will be resolved amicably.
An experienced attorney can help guide you through the complexities of divorce, including the division of assets and liabilities, which can often be a contentious aspect of the process. Whether you have a prenuptial agreement in place or not, understanding how assets should be equitably divided requires professional insight to ensure your rights are protected. This is especially important when dealing with properties, investments, or debts acquired during the marriage, as each case may have unique financial implications.
Furthermore, family circumstances can change over time, which is why post-decree modifications are sometimes necessary after a divorce is finalized. These modifications may address changes in spousal support, child custody, or asset distribution as life evolves. By working with an experienced family law attorney, you can ensure that your legal rights and interests remain protected throughout the process, no matter how your situation changes.
Same-Sex Marriage And Divorce In The Denver Area
Colorado has long allowed civil unions between same-sex couples. With the legalization of same-sex marriages, there are some unanswered questions. Some may find themselves looking to dissolve a legal relationship that was not a legal marriage, and state courts have yet to resolve the status of same-sex marriages in light of the right to marry. While the Colorado Civil Union Act provided similar procedures and protections afforded to divorcing couples, they are not identical.
Rights Of Same-Sex Couples And Their Children
Colorado employs gender-neutral language regarding the “presumed parent.” Now, when it comes to determining parental rights, same-sex couples are afforded the same liberties and protections as other couples under state and federal laws. When a child is born or adopted during the marriage of a same-sex couple, that couple will be presumed to be the child’s legal parents.
Experienced, Skilled, And Friendly Legal Assistance
If you are seeking to divorce or separate from your spouse or have another family law issue you need resolved, let the attorneys at Littman Family Law apply more than 30 years of experience to your case. We offer comprehensive legal services to LGBTQ+ individuals and couples in all types of domestic relations matters, including:
- Dissolution of marriages
- Cohabitation (living together) agreements
- Adoptions
- Parenting plans
- Child support and spousal maintenance issues
- Surrogacy and donor-insemination contracts
- Invalidity of Marriage
- Invalidity of same-sex marriage
Related: Can a Divorce Affect a Surrogate Agreement?
In an effort to minimize your costs and the emotional toll of a dispute on you and your family, we first attempt to apply alternative dispute resolution techniques. We are trained in mediation and collaborative law, and we are committed to helping you find the best result possible.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation by calling 303-832-4200. You may also send us an email.
*On June 26, 2015, the Supreme Court of the United States issued its decision in the landmark case of Obergfell v. Hodges. The Supreme Court held that marriage is a constitutional right for same-sex couples, stating that “the equal protection clause . . . prohibits . . . [the] unjustified infringement of the fundamental right to marry.” This means that assuming you meet all of the statutory requirements (age restrictions, relationship restrictions, etc.), then you are free to marry whomever you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our same-sex marriage attorney in Denver, Colorado, assists couples with various legal matters, including divorce, child custody, and adoption. We help navigate the complexities of property division and spousal support, ensuring fair treatment under the law. Our attorney also provides legal documentation to establish and protect parental rights and offers guidance on issues unique to LGBTQ+ couples. Our expertise ensures that all legal aspects are addressed comprehensively and equitably.
Legal considerations for same-sex couples seeking divorce in Colorado include the equitable division of marital property, spousal support, and issues related to parental rights and child custody. These cases often involve unique complexities such as the recognition of domestic partnerships or civil unions and addressing any pre-existing legal agreements. It’s essential to navigate these considerations with an experienced attorney who understands the nuances of same-sex divorce and can advocate for fair treatment under the law.
Littman Family Law assists same-sex couples in Denver with a range of family law issues, including divorce, child custody, adoption, and legal documentation to establish parental rights. We provide specialized legal guidance to navigate the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ couples, ensuring fair treatment and protection under the law. Our expertise includes handling property division, spousal support, and mediation services to resolve disputes amicably. By offering comprehensive support, Littman Family Law helps same-sex couples manage legal processes effectively and equitably.
Hiring a specialized same-sex marriage attorney in Denver is important because we understand the unique legal challenges and nuances faced by LGBTQ+ couples. These attorneys are experienced in handling issues such as divorce, child custody, adoption, and property division, ensuring fair and equitable treatment under the law. We are knowledgeable about specific laws and precedents that impact same-sex couples and can provide tailored legal advice and representation. This expertise helps protect your rights and navigate the complexities of family law effectively.
Colorado law uses gender-neutral presumptions of parentage, which can apply when a child is born during a marriage or when parents hold the child out as their own. Courts weigh multiple factors to resolve competing presumptions with the child’s best interests in mind. Assisted reproductive technology does not automatically defeat a presumption under the statute. Many families still pursue confirmatory steps like parentage orders to avoid issues if they travel or move. Early legal planning helps align birth records, parentage presumptions, and any later orders. The Uniform Parentage Act provisions explain these standards.
Second-parent adoption lets a non-gestational or non-biological parent become a legal parent without ending the other parent’s rights. It is often recommended even for married couples to create an enforceable parent-child relationship that is recognized across states and countries. The process uses standard Judicial Branch forms and may require background checks and consents, depending on circumstances. Completing a second-parent adoption can reduce future challenges at schools, medical offices, or during travel. It also provides clarity if a dispute arises or a family moves. The Colorado Judicial Branch provides instructions and the petition form for this process.
Colorado recognizes civil unions and sets out procedures for dissolving them, and the law addresses what happens when partners later marry. If a couple in a civil union subsequently marries, statutes provide guidance on how the relationship is treated and how dissolution should proceed. This can affect property division and the sequence of filings if both a civil union and a marriage exist. Reviewing records and dates with counsel helps you choose the cleanest path to final orders. Bringing certified copies of licenses and certificates to your consultation speeds the analysis. The Colorado Civil Union Act summarizes rights, dissolution, and the effect of later marriage. Please reach out to us for detailed consultation.
Additional Information in Denver, Colorado
Littman Family Law and Mediation Services
1772 Emerson Street
Denver, CO 80218
Phone: 303-832-4200
Fax: 303-832-9322
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