Let An Experienced Family Law Attorney Help You Establish Parenthood
Same sex marriages are now recognized in the Commonwealth of Virginia and that means same sex divorces are also being heard by the Virginia courts. Whenever a same sex couple files for divorce and there are children involved, it may be necessary to establish paternity. Same sex couples struggle with the same custody and parenthood issues as other couples, but because same sex marriages are new territory of the courts, the process for establishing parenthood and custody can be a little more complicated. If you are in need of assistance establishing parenthood or custody in your same sex relationship, let Claudia J. Zucker help you.
Can Same Sex Couples Be Parents?
There are many same sex couples who are parents. Some of them become parents the traditional way with a partner of the opposite sex, some adopt and others opt for artificial insemination. Once parenthood has been established, same sex couples have the same parental rights as traditional couples. If a same sex couple decides to divorce or separate, the children in the relationship face the same struggles of a traditional couple that breaks up. The issues of developing a parenting plan become central to the separation, and parents may share custody or one parent may end up with sole legal custodial rights while the other parent obtains a visitation schedule.
How Is Custody Decided Between Same Sex Couples?
A judge will consider all of the factors of a relationship and a situation before deciding on a custody decision. The needs of the child are the biggest factor and in cases where parents do not want to share custody, the judge will award custody to the parent who can best meet the needs and give the best care to the child. The other parent will usually be awarded visitation.
Claudia J. Zucker Can Help You Establish Parenthood
If you are in a same sex relationship and need to establish parenthood or custody of a child, let Claudia J. Zucker help you. Same sex custody cases don’t have to be difficult. Hire the right attorney for your case. Call (703) 596-1005 for assistance today.
