Campbell LGBTQ Divorce Lawyers Offering Legal Guidance to Same-Sex Couples

The legalization of same-sex marriage gave everyone the right to marry their partner. It also gave them the right to pursue divorce if the marriage doesn’t work out. If you’re in a same-sex marriage that you wish to end, you need the legal services of lawyers who have experience with the complexities of same-sex divorce. This is particularly important if you have children or own property together, as these family law matters can be confusing to navigate.

At Hepner & Pagan, LLP, we have helped many members of the LGBTQ community with divorce or legal separation. When you need legal support and a friendly attitude from the lawyer helping you end your marriage, contact us to schedule a initial consultation.

What Should You Know Before Initiating an LGBTQ Divorce?

Now that California does not recognize a difference between same-sex and opposite-sex marriages, the divorce process is largely the same. So, just as with an opposite-sex divorce, you do not need to show grounds for divorce when you want to end your same-sex marriage. California is a no-fault state where couples can divorce due to irreconcilable differences.

In addition, you or your spouse must have lived in California for at least six months before your divorce can be granted. If neither of you has lived here for at least that long, you will need to wait until you have before you get a divorce. To file in Santa Clara County, you or your spouse must have lived in this county for at least three months. If you meet these residency requirements, contact our LGBTQ divorce lawyers to file in the Campbell area.

How Can Our LGBTQ Divorce Lawyers Help You?

Some uncontested divorces are straightforward enough that they don’t require much legal guidance or time in court, but those are rare. That typically only applies if you have no children and share very few debts or assets with your spouse. If you have children, own a home, or operate a business together, your same-sex divorce will benefit from the legal guidance only a lawyer can provide.

When you come to our Campbell law offices, we will assist with major family law matters. After all, how a judge rules on these issues can change your life, since this will affect how often you see your children and which assets you get in the divorce. Some of the most critical family law decisions we can help you with include:

• Child custody
• Child support
• Visitation
• Spousal support
• Property division

These issues can be complex for any couple, but they’re especially challenging for same-sex couples with unique circumstances. Fortunately, our LGBTQ divorce lawyers in Campbell have successfully handled a variety of cases, so we’re confident we can meet your needs.

How Are Family Law Matters Handled in an LGBTQ Divorce?

Although California now strives to treat all divorces the same, this wasn’t always the case. As such, some details make same-sex divorce more complex than it has to be. This is why you need the legal advice of a team with experience with such cases.

For instance, establishing parental rights can be difficult if you used adoption or surrogacy to become a parent since you don’t have the presumption of paternity that most opposite-sex couples do. This can complicate child custody.

Also, if you got married before same-sex marriage was legal in every state, it may be hard to pinpoint how long your marriage lasted according to the law. This affects alimony and property division. These are just a few examples of how your divorce could differ from other divorces, which is why you need an LGBTQ divorce lawyer for your case.

Do You Need to Hire LGBTQ Divorce Lawyers in Campbell?

At Hepner & Pagan, LLP, we have offered legal services to members of the LGBTQ community for years, so we understand the intricacies of the family law matters you’re facing. You deserve to work with a team that can offer legal support and a compassionate attitude.

If you’re planning to end your same-sex marriage and have concerns about family law issues, such as alimony and child custody, call our Campbell law firm at 408-688-9153. We can schedule an initial consultation to discuss your legal needs as you make decisions that will affect all aspects of your life.