Greensburg LGBT & Same-Sex Divorce Lawyer
Pennsylvania started officially allowing same-sex marriages on May 20, 2014, after a federal district court ruling. The following year, the Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriages must be legally recognized throughout the entire country. Before May 2014, only same-sex couples who married in other states and then moved to Pennsylvania would’ve received partial recognition of their marital status. The subsequent federal court rulings have definitively cemented that a marriage involving a same-sex couple is equal to any other marriage in Pennsylvania. Now, when a same-sex marriage comes to an end, the couple will need to go through the same processes and procedures that a heterosexual couple would have to go through, i.e., a divorce.
At Bunde & Roberts, P.C., our Greensburg LGBT & same-sex divorce lawyers are here to help. We can provide the dedicated representation and compassionate understanding that same-sex couples need. As long as you or your spouse satisfy Pennsylvania’s residency requirements, you can file for divorce in Pennsylvania. Our legal team will represent you throughout your divorce, from negotiations and mediation through hearings and evidence collection, and then all the way through trial and appeal, if necessary.
LGBT Families and Child Custody Issues
Pennsylvania courts always decide child support matters based on what’s best for the children. The courts still prefer to keep both parents involved whenever possible. They also try to keep a child with its biological parents, an issue that is slightly different in a same-sex marriage since only one parent can be the biological parent. While biology plays an important role, it’s not the only factor the courts look at when making a custody decision. Family court judges favor some type of shared custody whenever it’s an option.
If you have a child and you aren’t the biological parent, you are better off if you can legally adopt your children. Your emotional relationship is essential as the courts look at what type of relationship the child has with each parent. We can help you fight for your parental rights and work towards a custody arrangement that best suits your whole family.
Civil Union Divorce in Pennsylvania
Until the court ruling in May 2014, Pennsylvania did not recognize same-sex marriages. The courts did recognize marriages from other states, including same-sex couples. However, the government did not recognize civil unions, even if that civil union was registered in another state. Therefore, couples in a civil union didn’t qualify for a divorce in Pennsylvania. This issue wasn’t fixed until December 2016, when the Superior Court of Pennsylvania issued a ruling. That ruling said that Pennsylvania must recognize civil unions as the legal equivalent of same-sex marriages. Therefore, a civil union would qualify for divorce under Pennsylvania laws.
Speak with a Skilled Greensburg Same-Sex Divorce Lawyer Today
At Bunde & Robert, P.C., our Greensburg same-sex divorce lawyers have years of experience helping clients with all types of family law matters and divorce proceedings. If you are in a civil union or a same-sex marriage in Pennsylvania, let us help with all your family law issues. If you are contemplating divorce, contact Bunde & Roberts, P.C., today at 412-391-4330 to schedule an initial consultation.
