LGBTQ+ Divorce Attorney In Santa Rosa Beach
Many LGBTQ+ couples have built a life together long before same-sex marriage became legal in Florida in 2015. Unfortunately, the law doesn’t always reflect that history. Courts often don’t count the years you spent together before then. This can impact how judges divide your property, decide on spousal support or determine parental rights.
With over 29 years of experience in Florida family law, our attorney at Daniel W. Uhlfelder, P.A., is known for his creative legal strategies and a long-standing commitment to LGBTQ+ rights and the Santa Rosa Beach community. He provides representation that is not only inclusive and personalized but also strategic and compassionate.
Whether you’re navigating custody, dividing assets or simply trying to understand your rights, Daniel can guide you with clarity, respect and unwavering support.
Common Issues Divorcing LGBTQ+ Couples May Experience
In Florida, same-sex marriages and divorces are legally recognized, but LGBTQ+ couples might encounter some unique challenges when they decide to end their marriage. This can include issues regarding:
- Dividing property: If there’s no prenuptial agreement in place, Florida courts typically divide marital property according to various factors, such as the length of marriage. For LGBTQ+ couples, this can be complicated. Many had long-term relationships and shared lives well before same-sex marriage became legal in 2015. Unfortunately, the courts might not consider the years spent together or shared finances before marriage, which can lead to results that feel unfair.
- Custody of children: If only one partner is the biological or adoptive parent, the other partner might not have parental rights. This is especially the case if they did not go through a second-parent adoption. For families who used assisted reproduction or surrogacy, parental rights can be unclear without formal agreements, such as surrogacy contracts or parenting plans, before the child is born.
- Spousal support (alimony): The length of a couple’s marriage and their financial situations play a significant role in how the court decides on spousal support. For LGBTQ+ couples, though, the legal marriage period might not fully capture the length of their relationship.
Even with these issues, LGBTQ+ couples in Florida have the same legal rights as heterosexual couples when it comes to divorce. State law calls for a fair division of shared assets, and when it comes to custody, the child’s best interests are the priority, no matter the gender or sexual orientation of the parents.
It’s important to work with an attorney who not only understands family law but also respects and affirms your unique experiences. As your LGBTQ+ divorce attorney, Daniel is committed to protecting your rights and guiding you toward a resolution that truly reflects your goals and values.
Seek Trusted Legal Guidance
You deserve legal support that sees the full picture of your life. At Daniel W. Uhlfelder, P.A., our attorney understands the unique challenges LGBTQ+ individuals face during divorce. With decades of experience and a commitment to advocacy, he will work with you to protect what matters most.
Call us at 850-909-2225 or send us a message to book your free 15-minute consultation. Let’s talk about your goals and how our LGBTQ+ divorce attorney can help you move forward, on your terms.