Dallas LGBTQ+ Family Lawyer Attorneys
Representing LGBTQ+ Individuals in Divorce & Other Family Law Issues
As we mention on our LGBTQ+ divorce page, members of the LGBTQ+ community sometimes experience unique challenges when navigating family law cases and other types of legal disputes. Our Dallas LGBTQ+ lawyers will advocate for your rights in and out of court.
Schedule a consultation with our team! Contact us online or via phone at (214) 758-8681.
Common Issues Faced by LGBTQ+ Families in Texas
It's not uncommon for LGBTQ+ individuals to face the following hurdles when navigating family law cases:
Obtaining an Equitable Divorce Is More Challenging
On our LGBTQ+ divorce page, we discuss how the relative recency of the federal legalization of gay marriage means that many gay couples have been cohabiting and acquiring property together far longer than they have been married.
As a result, when LGBTQ+ couples file for divorce, they often find that designating certain property as marital property to be divided between the spouses is challenging, particularly if the asset is only under one spouse's name.
Additionally, LGBTQ+ couples who share children that only have biological ties to one parent may find custody disputes infuriating. Courts sometimes favor biological parents during disputes, which can be unnecessarily penalizing for the non-biological parent.
For these reasons, having an attorney who understands the challenges LGBTQ+ couples face when filing for divorce is crucial if you want a streamlined divorce.
Adopting Can Be Difficult
Unfortunately, LGBTQ+ parents sometimes have a hard time adopting children. While parents who choose to adopt from the foster care system or a private adoption agency may not experience many issues, LGBTQ+ couples who want to adopt internationally may find a surprising number of roadblocks in their way.
Some countries prevent LGBTQ+ parents from adopting at all, even though LGBTQ+ parents are eligible for adoption in the U.S.
LGBTQ+ Individuals Often Bear the Brunt of Civil Rights Violations
Civil rights legislation exists to prevent organizations and people from discriminating against others based on identifying markers such as their race, religion, sex, or gender identity.
Unfortunately, many organizations still discriminate against LGBTQ+ individuals, even if they attempt to do so discreetly. Sometimes, legal officials also participate in this discrimination, making legal disputes unjustifiably complex and challenging for LGBTQ+ individuals.
At DebnamRust, P.C., our Dallas LGBTQ+ issue attorneys are committed to helping LGBTQ+ clients defend their rights in and out of court, enabling them to receive the treatment they deserve.
Schedule a consultation with our team! Contact us online or via phone at (214) 758-8681 today.
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Your Family Law AdvocatesLegal support that defends your family through every stage of life, with compassionate counsel. -
Our Team is Here for YouOur team is proud to provide inclusive, respectful support for every client and every family.
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Start Your Next ChapterConnect with our team to explore your options and find the legal guidance you need.
Texas LGBTQ Adoption Law
By Texas law, any adult over 21 is eligible for adoption if they are:
- A United States citizen
- Financially capable of meeting the child’s basic material needs
- Physically, emotionally, and mentally capable of taking responsibility as a parent
Unlike certain divorce cases, same-sex adoption can be heard in any venue, if there are not any disagreements from the soon-to-be parents or biological parents. This is important because you may be able to dodge a hostile court in a county that is not familiar with LGBTQ+ issues.
Whenever children are involved in a court hearing, Texas will always act in the best interests of the child. Unfortunately, that often leaves room for discrimination against same-sex couples. A judge may believe that the child is better off living with parents of different gender. While the judge may not be so explicit about his opinion, he or she may use that reason as an underlie when finalizing the ruling. This is where having an experienced attorney by your side is critical.
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No Guardian Named for Your ChildrenIf something happens to you, a court may decide who raises your children unless you’ve already made that decision legally clear.
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No Healthcare DirectiveWithout one, your family may face impossible choices in a crisis with no guidance from you.
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No Power of AttorneyIf you’re in an accident or temporarily incapacitated, no one may have legal authority to pay your bills, manage your accounts, or make medical decisions for you. Not even your spouse, without the right documents.
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Assets With No Clear StructureReal estate, business interests, retirement accounts, and other assets can be frozen, contested, or distributed in ways you never intended.
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An Outdated or Missing WillIf your will is outdated or missing, Texas law fills in the gaps you leave. That may not match what you actually want.
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Put People FirstIt takes two to be successful: our clients and our team. We value both, as we can’t do what we do without either. Sometimes putting people first can mean walking with them through grief and the hardest parts of life. We’re willing and ready to do that for you.
