LGBTQ FAMILY LAW 

Cal Stafilatos has been at the forefront of Marriage Equality and all other LGBTQ Family Law issues for many years. We have offered members of the LGBTQ community expert guidance in all areas of Family Law. Whether you are thinking about a prenuptial agreement, contemplating in-vitro fertilization, thinking about doing a second parent adoption, contemplating divorce, or need information on estate planning, we can help.

Same-sex couples have been able to marry within the state of Maryland since 2013. Maryland also recognizes gay and lesbian marriages that have been entered into validly in other jurisdictions. These same-sex couples who live in Maryland and meet the residency requirements, are able to obtain a legal gay and lesbian divorce in the State of Maryland.

The laws pertaining to LGBTQ couples and child custody are still evolving. Each case is handled differently depending on the assigned judge and county in which the legal matter takes place. Making certain you have every available ace in your hand is critical to achieving your desired outcome when it comes to matters involving biological and non-biological, gay and lesbian child custody rights.

A gay and lesbian prenuptial agreement is a positive way to acknowledge to your future spouse the extent of your commitment to make your marriage last a lifetime. By resolving all the sensitive personal issues that need to be considered beforehand in a comprehensive prenuptial agreement, you will have created a solid foundation for open and honest communication during your marriage.

Cautious couples are using these agreements for a number of reasons:

1. To protect themselves from a spouse’s debts

2. To protect a family business

3. To provide for children from other relationships

4. To limit or expand possible inheritance rights

5. To identify assets that will be considered “separate” or "marital” in nature

6. To establish what will happen in the event of a divorce