Same Sex Divorce

When you decide it’s time to get divorced, it’s rarely without considerable heartache and frustration. You have spent so much time and energy trying to make it work. It’s understandable the mere thought of getting through the divorce process feels like an insurmountable task. It’s not – especially when you have a skilled, caring family lawyer who understands the nuances of same-sex divorce and will be by your side every step of the way.

If you or someone you know, whether gay or straight, is considering divorce, speak with a family lawyer who has been helping families, like yours, work through the process with dignity. Jonathan D. Katz knows that the guilt and sadness associated with divorce. Further, the ever-changing LGBT family laws in New York are complex and often ambiguous. Mr. Katz knows family law and will make sure you understand your rights as you move toward a life after same-sex marriage.

As with any divorce process, there are many aspects to the case that need to be considered so that all parties involved can move forward with the knowledge that their interests have been protected. Mr. Katz can knows the divorce process can be overwhelming and emotionally taxing.

Same sex couples looking to get divorced in New York both must have resided in NY for at least one year.

Just as with traditional divorce, there may be child custody and child support issues to negotiate. If you have joint assets, including property, you will need to deal with issues of equitable distribution of assets and debt. Further, there is alimony, or spousal support, to consider. Regardless, some of these issues can be extremely complex for same-sex couples who are divorcing.

• Gay and lesbian divorce
• Custody and child support
• Pet custody
• Long-term relationship dissolution
• Reallocation of assets
• Transfer of real estate and other property
• Same-sex domestic violence

While we continue to wait for marriage equality to reach every state, legal options do exist to protect same-sex couples just as they do heterosexual couples. It’s critical to choose a divorce lawyer who is comfortable navigating the evolving landscape of LGBT divorce. At an already stressful, emotional time you need to hire a family attorney who is prepared to fight for your rights and interests so you can get on with living.

Many divorce cases involve child custody arrangements; same-sex marriages are certainly no exception. In every child custody case, our main focus is on the best interests of the child. Our legal team understands the sensitive nature of child custody cases involving same-sex couples. These cases are unique in that the child was either adopted or only one person is the biological parent. This can create an especially heated argument around visitation and child support arguments.

Having an experienced advocate on your side can help prevent things from taking a nasty turn. We do everything possible to steer our clients in the direction of amicable negotiation and compromise. Emotions can run high, especially at the beginning of the divorce process. However, at the Law Offices of Jonathan D. Katz, our goal is to give our clients the knowledge, tools and perspective to reach a mutually beneficial agreement as efficiently and painlessly as possible.

Relative to child custody arrangements, our family law attorneys have experience in:

• Donor insemination agreements
• Visitation rights and financial support obligations of non-biological parents
• Non-biological parent and second-parent adoptions
• Health care directives, last wills and testaments and durable powers of attorney

Contact Mr. Katz today for a consultation about your personal situation. No two divorce processes are the same, just as no two people are the same. We can help you through this difficult time by offering you experienced, knowledgeable legal guidance. You can rest assured that your rights and interests – and children — will be protected every step of the way.

For over 36 years, Jonathan Katz has provided practical family law advice to clients in Ulster County, including New Paltz, Rochester and Kingston, NY. Divorce laws pertaining to same-sex marriages may be different than traditional marriage, but people are people. Mr. Katz is proud to serve the New York LGBT community.

Contact us calling (845) 328-2159 or toll-free (866) 843-6388 or fill out the online contact form to speak with an experienced and compassionate same-sex divorce attorney. Get answers to your questions today.