North Carolina Same Sex Divorce Attorneys

In North Carolina, the laws and requirements for a heterosexual couple and a same sex couple are the same. However, same sex couples may experience certain worries that pertain to situations based on the relationship and circumstances of possessions. For instance, if your partner is the biological parent of your child, you may question your child custody rights and child support. Although these questions can also pertain to heterosexual couples, seeking assistance from a lawyer with experience of same sex divorce can make you feel more at ease.

When you work with a dependable King Law lawyer for your divorce, you will have access to the tools and resources you need for a smooth process. We understand that this time is stressful for not only you but your family as well. Our main goal is to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case, so you can get back to doing the things you love. Our extensive experience and client-oriented approach help create a supportive environment for you.

Is There a Difference Between a Same Sex and Heterosexual Divorce?

In 2015, the Supreme Court declared in Obergefell v. Hodges that state bans on same-sex marriages were unconstitutional. The landmark decision was welcomed, but many LGBTQ couples were curious about what the change ment for family law. Same sex couples hold the same legal status as heterosexual ones, so they must follow the same North Carolina divorce laws:

  • Separation of at least one year
  • One spouse must be a resident of North Carolina for at least six months
  • Completion of all forms in your county family court

All divorce cases come with a considerable amount of questions and change. For same sex couples, there are a lot of new factors and pressures that can affect your decisions. When you work with a same sex attorney, you’ll have access to resources that can help answer your questions.

Challenges with Same Sex Divorce in North Carolina

While LGBTQ+ marriages have the same rights as heterosexual ones, same sex couples can face unique issues with adoption, estate planning, and certian societal pressures. When you are facing these challenges in legal proceedings, you will want someone with experience assisting you. Consider the following challenges that same sex couples often face:

Alimony or Spousal Support

The longer a couple is married, the more support the dependent spouse is likely to receive. However, same sex marriage only became legal in the United States in 2015. Even if you have lived together and been with your partner years before marriage, the court may only consider the years of marriage and not those of cohabitation. For the dependent spouse, this can pose a threat to the welfare of their family and themselves.

Child Support and Custody

If your child is the biological offspring of your partner, the court may consider the other parent more favorable, and custody can be tricky. Establishing your parental rights before separation is critical and can make sure that you have the ability to stay in the child’s life.

When both parents have parental responsibility for the child, the court follows the North Carolina Child Support Guidelines to calculate child support. The calculations are based on the child’s living arrangements, health needs, and other contributing factors.

Property Division

Similar to spousal support, the court often makes decisions about items only purchased after the legal union. Due to same sex marriages only being legal in North Carolina after 2015, property obtained prior to the union may not be considered marital property. Possessions bought before the legal marriage will be considered separate property and are not subject to division. This can be highly unfair and difficult for many couples.

Adoption

While not strictly for same sex couples, adoption is a common way for LGBTQ couples to become parents and share parental responsibility. Claiming parental rights is not always the first thought when having children, so if you don’t have these rights and still want responsibility for your child, filing for child support and custody are some ways to continue to be in your child’s life.

Many of the issues above are serious problems and challenges that same sex couples go through when separating. Discussing your options with a same sex divorce lawyer can provide you with the necessary information to make your decision and help your intentions.

Should You Contact a North Carolina Same Sex Divorce Lawyer?

Issues involving family law for same sex couples can be complicated and may, unfortunately, experience discrimination and prejudice. Having the help of a dependable same sex lawyer advocate for your rights and intentions is crucial to receiving the best possible outcome for your case. Some of the many ways a same sex divorce lawyer can help you include:

  • Answering questions about your case
  • Analyzing potential legal issues
  • Gathering the necessary information
  • Reviewing and preparing legal documents
  • Negotiating settlement options
  • Protecting your rights and interests

Due to how recent the legalization of same sex marriage is, there are many new and unique problems that couples face. Only in the last few years have we seen different circumstances and problems within marriages of same sex couples. With every passing day, we learn more and more about the needs and interests of LGBTQ couples. Contacting an experienced lawyer who can fully invest their knowledge into your case can significantly impact your results.

Talk to a Dependable North Carolina Same Sex Divorce Lawyer

There are times when marriages don’t work out the way we intended. While the divorce process can feel like a weight on your shoulders, having an experienced same sex divorce lawyer at your side can relieve those burdens. Our team of North Carolina divorce attorneys at King Law has years of experience advocating for the rights and interests of our clients. With positive testimonials and past results from across North Carolina, we are proud to offer clients reliability and accessible communication.

Call (888) 748-5464, aka (888) 748-KING, or fill out our contact form for more information about how we can assist you.

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