Many New Jersey LGBTQ couples consider 2013 to be a landmark year. In that year, a key part of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was overturned, and New Jersey recognized the right for same-sex couples to marry. Since then, thousands of same-sex couples have been married in our state. Although every marriage starts out with great hopes and optimism, the truth is that unfortunately many will not stand the test of time.
Same-sex couples and families face the same difficult personal issues as heterosexual couples: starting a family, infidelity, and the threat of growing apart. Furthermore, same-sex couples face additional challenges, and the law governing same-sex divorce in New Jersey is still developing and provides unique legal challenges. For heterosexual couples, the process of divorce has been made relatively straightforward and predictable thanks to years of legislative and judicial accommodation. However, LGBTQ couples face a great deal of uncertainty and ambiguity in family law issues due to the relatively recent acknowledgement of same-sex unions.
At the Law Offices of Kisha M. Hebbon, LLC, we have the experience, sensitivity, and understanding to effectively guide a LGBTQ client through a divorce, child custody issue, or adoption. We recognize that same-sex couples have overcome tremendous hurdles just to get their relationship legally recognized, and strive to support our clients through whatever legal challenges they face.
For example, when a child is born to a same-sex couple who is either married or in a civil union, which parent will be considered the legal parent? Couples who did not form a legal relationship prior to the birth of their child may face challenges getting rights to the child. A non-birth parent may need assistance with custody and parenting time with the child in the event of a separation.
Other challenges specific to same-sex marriages include:
Same-sex couples considering marriage in New Jersey are advised to seek out legal advice as soon as possible to take care of any pre-nuptial agreements. Seeking legal advice from a skilled Somerset divorce lawyer as early in the process as possible will help you make an informed decision regarding what is likely the most important event of your life.
Whether you are considering same-sex marriage, or facing a same-sex divorce in New Jersey, an experienced Somerset divorce lawyer at the Law Offices of Kisha M. Hebbon, LLC is prepared to help you accomplish your legal goals. While the law continues to evolve toward full equality for LGBTQ couples, we are here to help you. We are poised at the forefront of the rapidly developing area of gay and lesbian family law. With offices located in Somerset, New Jersey and we represent clients throughout New Jersey including Somerset County, Middlesex County, Union County and including but not limited to the towns of Somerset, Franklin, Bridgewater, New Brunswick, East Brunswick, Plainfield, Edison, Metuchen, Woodbridge, Piscataway, Old Bridge, Rahway, Linden, Elizabeth, Cranford, Summit, Union, Clark, Elizabeth, Berkeley Heights, and Scotch Plains. To schedule a consultation, call us at 732-873-6464 or contact us online today.