Long Island Divorce Attorney
Call Today! 516.688.0088
Same-Sex Marriage & Divorce

Same-Sex Marriage & Divorce in New York

Representation for LGBT Couples on Long Island

Same-sex marriages and divorces involve several complexities that demand the help of a Long Island same-sex family lawyer. While the state of New York recognizes gay marriage, the federal government still does not and the ramifications of this require a skillful address in order to ensure your rights are protected.

At Friedman & Friedman PLLC, Attorneys at Law, we concentrate on matrimonial and family law and have an extensive history fighting for the rights of gay and lesbian couples. The legal, financial and personal implications of laws relating to same-sex marriage must be approached compassionately and with great insight in order to protect your family and your finances throughout your marriage and in the event of a divorce. Schedule your consultation online or by calling (516) 688-0088 today!

NY Same-Sex Divorce Lawyer

Same-sex marriage became legal in New York State on July 24, 2011. Before that date, New York only recognized same-sex marriages that were validly entered into in another state under the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the U.S. Constitution, and any same-sex couple that was legally married in another state and met the residency requirements for divorce in New York state could seek a same-sex divorce.

Today, same-sex marriage is legal and recognized in New York, but this means that the area of same-sex divorce law is new and is still being explored. However, the issues which exist in heterosexual divorce are essentially the same in a homosexual divorce, such as custody, equitable distribution, maintenance, and child support. Thus, it is imperative when considering your options in same-sex divorce to speak with a lawyer.

New York Gay & Lesbian Family Law Issues

Our legal team knows how to protect you from the many loopholes in the law that can leave you unprotected. We are dedicated to fighting for your rights and offer advice and representation in the following areas:

Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements offer invaluable protection in the event of a divorce. While these instruments can assist the dissolution of any marriage to go more smoothly and agreements regarding finance and children to be better controlled, they are particularly vital for gay and lesbian couples.

Adoption
Gay and lesbian couples may not be discriminated against if they wish to adopt a child and our firm can guide you through the entire adoption process. It is vital to realize that if you are the non-biological parent of your child, you do not have any parental rights in the event of a same-sex divorce without having formally adopted the child.

Child Custody
Child custody may well be the most important issue in any divorce and protecting your relationships with your children is something our legal team is passionate about. Child custody can be a very difficult pursuit if you are not the biological or adoptive parent of the child. We can advise on how best to protect your rights and advocate for them tirelessly on your behalf.

Spousal Maintenance
Spousal maintenance agreements can be difficult to navigate during a same-sex divorce due to the tax implications of the federal government's lack of recognition of gay marriage. It is crucial you have legal counsel that can take a comprehensive view of your particular situation and help to determine what would be the most beneficial approach to spousal maintenance.

Property Distribution
There are numerous complications that can arise in relation to property division due to the laws surrounding same-sex marriages. The best approach is to have a prenuptial agreement in place to protect your rights in the event of a separation. In any case, we can battle to protect your assets and your future quality of life, along with that of your children.

Tax Implications
Unfortunately, federal law does not offer the same tax protections to same-sex couples as married heterosexuals enjoy. Even so, there are steps you can take to approach your finances and taxes strategically in order to achieve the most beneficial tax arrangements possible.

Legal Representation for Same-Sex Family Law Matters

As a mother of two, Sari Friedman understands the importance of a skilled lawyer. She is listed in the Who's Who in American Law and the Who's Who in American Professionals, achievements which reflect her professional ability and dedication to her clients.

With a personal history of more than 35 years in matrimonial law, she leads our firm in our service of gay and lesbian couples throughout New York. We pride ourselves on being compassionate, proactive, understanding, knowledgeable and effective and consider it a privilege to be able to help you pursue your rights.

Contact a lawyer for your same-sex family matter. Get genuine help for all your family law issues today – call (516) 688-0088 today!

Let Us Provide the Compassionate Care You Deserve.

  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.