Gloucester County LGBTQ Family Law Attorneys Located in Woodbury, NJ
Experienced Woodbury, NJ LGBTQ Family Lawyers Advise Clients on Complex Family Law Issues in Gloucester County and Throughout South Jersey
Family is always complicated. Unfortunately, in some cases, family law issues are often even more complicated for LGBTQ couples. Of course, you’ll face the same issues as any other couple: Should we get married? What should I expect if we get divorced? What about child custody in our divorce?
When you’re facing a split, you’re dealing with a lot of emotions and questions. Smedley Law Group, P.C. can help you navigate your decoupling, whether it’s a marriage, civil union, or domestic partnership. If you’re also contending with alimony, equitable distribution, child custody, or support, we’ll advocate strongly on your behalf, so that you and your family achieve the best possible outcome.
Our practice is devoted entirely to family law—meaning we’ve gained the specialized experience that allows us to anticipate future issues and effectively solve problems that have already come up. We’re Certified Matrimonial Law Attorneys—a designation given by the New Jersey Supreme Court to reflect our expertise in family law matters. To learn more about how we can help, contact us today to arrange a consultation with a dedicated LGBTQ family law attorney.
Our Lawyers Can Help With All LGBTQ Family Law Matters
Families come in all shapes and sizes. At Smedley Law Group, P.C., we’re dedicated to serving members of the LGBTQ community. Our goal is to make sure your rights are protected at every turn. Our firm is here to help with:
- Divorce
- Adoption
- Child custody matters
- Parenting time
- Spousal support
- Child support
- Equitable division
- Prenuptial agreements
- And more.
Our trusted attorneys know that these and other family law matters are often emotionally charged issues. Having a skilled lawyer by your side can be your most valuable asset. We’re here to help you see the big picture and anticipate any issues that might arise in the future.
We’re skilled mediators who can help you avoid the time, expense, and trauma of a protracted court battle—which is the last thing anyone wants. We can also guide you through the process if your situation has reached the point of no return. To learn more, just contact us to set up a private consultation.
Helping LGBTQ Families Navigate All Phases of Life
As a part of a LGBTQ couple, you’ll undoubtedly face some unique challenges throughout life. Our lawyers are here to answer your questions and find workable solutions to help you navigate those challenges.
Examples of the issues we can help you resolve include:
- How to dissolve a partnership when you’ve entered both a legal marriage and civil union with the same partner
- Whether you’re entitled to spousal support upon dissolving a domestic partnership or civil union if you never married
- How to navigate the adoption or surrogacy process and make sure each party’s parental rights are protected
- How to determine your child custody and parenting rights if you didn’t formalize your relationship with your partner.
Our lawyers pride ourselves on developing relationships with our clients that are built to last a lifetime. We’re more than a one-stop shop for family law advice. We can help with your immediate needs and also work with you over time as new challenges may arise.
LGBTQ Divorce and Dissolution
All LGBTQ couples now have the right to legally marry in New Jersey and across the country. For some couples, this can actually add new complications. Should you marry if you’ve already entered into a civil union? What about the tax consequences? What happens if we get divorced?
Our lawyers can work with you at the outset to make sure you understand all of the legal implications of legal marriage. At Smedley Law Group, P.C., the advice you receive will always be individually tailored to your specific circumstances. We can help you execute a prenuptial agreement that can spell out your rights and obligations so that everyone has comfort for the future.
LGBTQ Adoption
LGBTQ couples face complications with respect to decisions about children that same-sex couples usually don’t have to handle. In every case, at least one spouse will be required to formally adopt the child to protect their legal parenting rights.
The process can be lengthy, complicated, and fraught with emotional issues. Our lawyers will stand with you every step of the way to make sure both parents’ rights are protected. Regardless of how you choose to start a family, Smedley Law Group, P.C. is here to help.
Contact a Compassionate Woodbury LGBTQ Family Lawyer Who Can Help
At Smedley Law Group, P.C., our Woodbury, NJ LGBTQ family law attorneys are dedicated to helping your family accomplish your goals. Developing creative, workable solutions is our primary mission.
If you’re concerned about a specific family law issue or are considering marriage, divorce, or children, don’t leave your family’s security to chance. To learn more about how an LGBTQ family lawyer can help you resolve your family law issues, contact us today to arrange a consultation with a skilled, compassionate family law attorney.
- Locations Served in Gloucester County
- Clayton Deptford Township
- East Greenwich Elk Township
- Franklin Township Glassboro
- Greenwich Township Harrison Township
- Logan Township Mantua Township
- Monroe Township National Park
- Newfield Paulsboro
- Pitman South Harrison
- Swedesboro Washington Township
- Wenonah West Deptford
- Westville Woodbury
- Woodbury Heights Woolwich Township
Frequently Asked Questions About LGBTQ Family Law in South Jersey
It’s true that under New Jersey law, you’ll be considered the parent of a child born to someone you’re married to. That doesn’t mean adoption isn’t an issue. Not every state has the same laws as New Jersey. To make absolutely sure that your parental rights as a non-biological parent are protected, it’s important to formally and legally adopt your child. It’s not fair that you should have to take on this added burden—but it’s the best way to protect your rights as a parent against life’s future uncertainties.
Yes. It’s understandable that you should want to change all legal documents to formally recognize your identified gender. Once you legally change your name, you can get legal documents like a passport and driver’s license in New Jersey. Under current law, however, you must have undergone gender reassignment surgery in order to legally change your gender on your birth certificate. Proposed legislation would change this to give you the right to change your gender even if you can’t yet afford this expensive surgery. To learn more about how we can help, give us a call today.