St. Louis LGBTQ Family Lawyers

Family law is a complex and sensitive area, especially for LGBTQ families who may face unique legal challenges. Whether it’s marriage, divorce, child custody, adoption, or estate planning, LGBTQ individuals and families deserve knowledgeable and supportive legal representation. Our St. Louis family lawyers are dedicated to helping LGBTQ families navigate the legal system with confidence, understanding the unique circumstances and protections available under Missouri law. Contact the Stobie Family Law Group today.

LGBTQ Family Lawyers Serving St. Louis County, Missouri

LGBTQ families face unique challenges in family law that require a lawyer with specific skillset and understanding of the law. Our firm not only understands Missouri’s family laws but also how they intersect with the rights and needs of the LGBTQ community. Whether you’re dealing with marriage, divorce, parental rights, or estate planning, we are experienced in handling these matters with sensitivity and respect for your family structure and gender identity.

Choosing an LGBTQ-affirming lawyer is essential for ensuring that your case is approached with the experience required to secure the best possible outcome.

Areas of LGBTQ Family Law Practice

Marriage and Divorce for LGBTQ Couples

Since the landmark 2015 Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, same-sex marriage has been legal across the U.S., including Missouri. This opened the door for LGBTQ couples to marry, but it also introduced the complexities of divorce. We can assist with:

• Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements tailored to LGBTQ couples
• Divorce proceedings including property division, spousal support, and asset division
• Unique challenges LGBTQ couples may face during divorce, such as unequal legal recognition of assets acquired before marriage

Child Custody and Parental Rights

For LGBTQ families, child custody and parental rights can present unique challenges. Courts are still evolving in how they approach non-biological parents, transgender parents, and diverse family structures. We can help you navigate:

• Stepparent and second-parent adoption for non-biological parents
• Custody disputes that involve same-sex couples or transgender parents
• Legal issues related to surrogacy, sperm/egg donation, and non-traditional parenting arrangements
• Protecting parental rights in cases where a biological connection to the child is not present

Adoption for LGBTQ Families

In Missouri, adoption laws for LGBTQ individuals and couples have evolved over the years. Whether you’re adopting through an agency, as a stepparent, or through surrogacy, we are here to guide you through the process. Our firm can assist with:

• Joint adoptions by LGBTQ couples
• Second-parent adoption to secure legal parental rights for a non-biological parent
• Navigating Missouri’s adoption laws and dealing with potential discrimination from agencies or officials

Co-Parenting and Known Donor Agreements

In many cases, LGBTQ families create parenting structures that don’t follow the traditional mold. If you are co-parenting with a known donor or a non-romantic partner, it’s essential to have clear legal agreements in place to protect everyone involved. We can help draft and enforce:

• Co-parenting agreements between partners or friends
• Known donor agreements for sperm or egg donation, ensuring clear understanding of parental roles and responsibilities

Estate Planning for LGBTQ Families

Wills and Estate Planning for LGBTQ Couples

LGBTQ couples, particularly those who are unmarried, face additional challenges in estate planning. Without proper planning, inheritance laws can unintentionally exclude partners or children. Our firm can guide you through:

• Creating wills, trusts, and powers of attorney that reflect your wishes
• Ensuring non-biological parents and partners are legally protected in case of death or incapacity
• Updating legal documents to reflect changes in family structure, such as name or gender marker changes

Guardianship of Children

It’s critical to plan for the guardianship of children in case something happens to one or both parents. This is especially important for LGBTQ families, where non-biological parents may not be automatically recognized as legal guardians. We can help:

• Draft guardianship documents to ensure the continued care of your children
• Protect the rights of non-biological parents in the event of a parent’s death or incapacity

Name and Gender Marker Changes

For transgender and non-binary individuals, changing a name or gender marker on legal documents is an important step in affirming identity. However, the process can be complicated. Our firm offers assistance with:

• Name changes in Missouri, including court petitioning and documentation
• Gender marker changes on birth certificates, driver’s licenses, and Social Security records
• Legal guidance for minors seeking to update their legal documents with parental consent
• Domestic Violence and LGBTQ-Specific Concerns

LGBTQ Domestic Violence Representation

Domestic violence can affect anyone, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. However, LGBTQ individuals often face unique barriers when seeking protection. We provide compassionate legal support for:

• Protection orders for LGBTQ individuals experiencing domestic violence
• Legal remedies for victims, including custody and support arrangements in cases involving children
• Addressing biases or misconceptions that may arise in the legal system regarding LGBTQ domestic violence cases

Discrimination in Family Law

Although Missouri has made significant strides in LGBTQ rights, discrimination can still occur in family law settings. Our firm is committed to fighting against bias and discrimination. We can help with:

• Adoption and custody disputes where discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity may be a factor
• Advocating for equal treatment in divorce and property division cases
• Understanding and navigating Missouri’s anti-discrimination laws

Contact Our LGBTQ Family Lawyers Today

No matter the issue you’re facing, our knowledgeable and compassionate St. Louis LGBTQ family lawyers are here to help. Contact the Stobie Family Law Group today so we can discuss your case.