Denver LGBTQ+ Family Law Attorneys

Comprehensive Legal Support for Same-Sex & LGBTQ+ Families in Colorado

In recent decades, concepts of family and parenthood in the U.S. have evolved beyond the nuclear family model.

Today, families come in all shapes and sizes, from LGBTQ+ families who conceive through assisted reproduction to multigenerational homes, extended-family households, and stepparent or parent-like figures who don’t fit what generations of the past perceived as nuclear families.

While these families all function to provide love, caregiving, and a sense of community, LGBTQ+ families and same-sex couples that don’t follow the traditional two-parent model face unique considerations when it comes to Colorado family law.

As one of Colorado’s largest family law practices, The Harris Law Firm has extensive experience representing LGBTQ+ families, same-sex spouses, and families that include individuals of different genders and identities.

If you have questions about a case, our gay-friendly attorneys are here to help. Call (303) 622-5502 or contact us online.

Common Family Issues Related to the LGBTQ+ Community

In Colorado, LGBTQ+ families face several family law challenges that reflect broader national issues but also specific local legal nuances. Here’s an overview of the common legal issues our LGBTQ+ family attorneys address:

• Marriage and Civil Unions: Same-sex marriage has been legally recognized in Colorado since 2014, following the legalization at the federal level in 2015. This grants same-sex couples the same legal rights and responsibilities as opposite-sex couples, including spousal benefits, inheritance rights, and tax benefits. Furthermore, Colorado recognizes civil unions, providing a legal status similar to marriage for both same-sex and opposite-sex couples. This status grants many of the same legal protections as marriage, but might still face challenges if the couple moves to a state that doesn't recognize civil unions.
• Parental Rights: Colorado allows LGBTQ+ individuals and couples to adopt children. This includes joint adoption by same-sex couples, step-parent adoption, and second-parent adoption, where one partner adopts the other's biological or adopted child. Despite legal allowances, LGBTQ+ individuals may still face biases during the process. For LGBTQ+ families using assisted reproductive technologies (ART), Colorado law allows for legal parentage to be established for both partners, though the non-biological parent may need to undertake legal steps such as a second-parent adoption to secure their rights unequivocally.
• Custody and Visitation: In cases of separation or divorce, LGBTQ+ and transgender parents face challenges similar to those of heterosexual parents. However, issues can arise if one parent’s legal relationship to the child is not well established. Courts in Colorado generally aim to protect the best interests of the child, which includes maintaining relationships with both parents when possible. Non-biological parents who haven't legally adopted their child may need to establish their right to visitation, especially if the legal framework of the parental relationship isn't clear.
• Discrimination and Bias: Colorado has anti-discrimination laws that protect LGBTQ+ individuals and families from discrimination in various areas, including housing, employment, and public accommodations. However, implicit biases and discriminatory attitudes can still affect LGBTQ+ families in legal and social settings. LGBTQ+ families may also sometimes encounter bias or discrimination from adoption agencies, fertility clinics, or other service providers, despite these protections.
• Legal Documentation and Protections: To ensure legal recognition of parental rights, LGBTQ+ parents often seek parentage orders or second-parent adoptions. These legal steps help solidify the non-biological parent's rights and provide legal security for the family.
• Wills and Estate Planning: LGBTQ+ couples may need to engage in detailed estate planning to ensure their wishes are honored, especially in areas where legal recognition and protection might still face challenges.
• Health Care and Medical Decisions: In medical situations, legal recognition of both partners as parents is crucial. Legal documents such as powers of attorney and health care proxies can help ensure that partners have the authority to make decisions for each other and their children.

Why Choose Our Denver LGBTQ+ Family Law Attorneys?

At The Harris Law Firm, we understand the unique challenges and legal complexities faced by LGBTQ+ families in Denver. Our experienced same-sex family law team is dedicated to providing compassionate and knowledgeable guidance to help you navigate these issues.

Whether you need help with same-sex divorce, adoption, custody, or protecting your family from discrimination, our team of compassionate and experienced LGBTQ+ family lawyers is here for you. Let us work together to ensure your family's rights are protected and that you have the legal support you need to build a secure and loving home.

Comprehensive Counsel & Support

Family law issues involving marriage, divorce, and parenting time are not limited to biological mothers and fathers, but Colorado courts are still evolving when it comes to finding ways to adequately address the legal issues involved in matters that extend beyond notions of biology and marriage.

Whether you’re a grandparent seeking visitation, a foster or adoptive parent, or an LGBTQ+ parent navigating divorce or custody, our team of Denver LGBTQ+ family law attorneys has the experience and empathy to guide you.

We provide comprehensive counsel in matters involving:

• Same-sex divorce and parenting time
• Transgender family law
• Grandparent rights
• Adoption and stepparent adoption
• Post-decree custody modifications
• Common law same-sex marriages
• Unmarried parent custody
• Cohabitation agreements
• Surrogacy and donor insemination contracts
• Dissolution mediation for same-sex partners
• Estate planning

As a gay-friendly attorney team in Colorado, we take pride in helping families of all identities and compositions thrive. At The Harris Law Firm, fostering a culture of diversity is one of our core values. As families continue to evolve into new and varied forms, we are committed to helping them navigate the specific legal challenges they face efficiently and effectively.

The Harris Law Firm proudly serves individuals and families throughout Denver and the entire state of Colorado. To speak with a knowledgeable LGBTQ+ family law attorney, call (303) 622-5502.