Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ+) persons face many of the same family law issues as their heterosexual counterparts, including marriage, divorce, adoption, and prenuptial agreements. The LGBTQ+ family lawyers at Herbert & Weiss, LLP fully support members of the community in exercising their civil rights and are experienced in handling divorce, adoption, and other family law matters and the unique issues that may arise for LGBTQ+ couples in New Jersey.

Call (201) 440-6300 today to schedule a consultation with our LGBTQ+ family lawyers in Bergen County.

Marriage

Civil marriage for same-sex couples was recognized by the New Jersey courts in September 2013, and in October of that year, the State Registrar sent a memo to all local registrars instructing them to immediately start processing marriage licenses for same-sex couples the same as opposite-sex couples. New Jersey already had a domestic partnership law and a civil union law on the books, but the recognition of gay marriage means that same-sex couples have achieved full equality in the eyes of law regarding the rights, benefits, and privileges of civil marriage.

Adoption

Our comprehensive family law practice includes helping LGBTQ+ couples grow their families through joint adoption. In addition, with the recognition of the constitutional right for same-sex couples to marry, the ability of individuals to adopt the child of their spouse or partner in a stepparent adoption should be readily achievable as well.

Prenuptial Agreements

A prenuptial agreement is an excellent idea in contemplation of any marriage. Deciding in advance issues such as property distribution and alimony can set a couples’ minds at ease, particularly if there is a disparity in the wealth between the parties or if one of the prospective spouses has been married before and went through a tough divorce. We assist LGBTQ+ couples in New Jersey with the negotiation and drafting of prenuptial agreements as well as post-nuptial or marital agreements which can be entered into at any time during the marriage. For long-term committed couples who are living together without any formal marriage, domestic partnership, or civil union, we recommend they consider adopting a cohabitation agreement to avoid any disputes that might later arise.

Experienced Family Lawyers Proudly Supporting the New Jersey LGBTQ+ Community

Our law firm is committed to the principles of equality and access to justice for all New Jersey residents, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals. Our family law attorneys are knowledgeable and familiar in dealing with divorce, adoption, and other family law matters involving LGBTQ+ families in Bergen County and New Jersey.