Legal Help for Same-Sex Couples and Non-Traditional Families
Same-sex marriages • Parentage • Inheritance rights • Divorce
While lesbian and gay couples' rights have achieved protection in some New England states, same-sex couples do still face some areas of inequality and some potential challenges when building their families.
The family law attorneys of Denner Pellegrino, LLP, help gay and lesbian clients who are ready to marry or who are planning for children, as well as those who seek to secure their rights, their relationships and their property interests in divorce. To schedule a consultation at one of our four offices (Boston, Springfield, Providence and New York City), call 1-866-348-0900 or contact us online.
Building your family
Many gay and lesbian families become parents through adoption or by using reproductive technology to help them have children (sperm donors, egg donation, or surrogacy). We assist couples with same-sex adoption, surrogacy contracts, and establishing legal parentage of their children. We can also help you secure your child's inheritance rights.
Financial matters in same-sex marriages
Because federal law does not recognize same-sex marriages, you may file a joint tax return in Massachusetts but you must file your federal tax returns separately. This will have tax consequences. Likewise, there will be differences in the federal benefits to which you are entitled, such as Social Security and disability. We can explain how the differing laws will affect your family.
Divorce and property division in same-sex divorce
The most significant area of remaining difference between traditional and gay marriage is in the area of matrimonial law and divorce. The law relating to the financial decisions in divorce has not entirely caught up, and some adjustments may need to be made to achieve a fair and equitable settlement.
For example, many same-sex couples have been in permanent relationships for significant periods before their marriages were officially recognized. The length of these relationships could be an important factor when considering whether a former partner will qualify for spousal support, which is typically granted only in marriages of ten years or more.
Also, the division of retirement accounts is governed by federal law. Since federal law does not yet recognize same-sex marriages, gay and lesbian couples cannot divide retirement accounts with the same tax treatment as heterosexual couples can.
Four offices and multilingual staff to serve you
We stand ready to provide skillful, experienced legal representation for those ready to build same-sex marriages, and families, and for those who need to seek a divorce. We have four offices to meet the needs of clients in Boston, Springfield, Providence and New York City.
E-mail a lawyer at Denner Pellegrino to set up a consultation about any family law concern for LGBT couples. Or, call us toll free at 1-866-348-0900, locally in Springfield at 1-413-746-4400 or in Boston at 1-617-227-2800. Our telephones are answered 24/7, allowing us to respond quickly to emergencies.
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