LGBTQ+ Family Law Services in Colorado

Experienced Representation for All Families

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.

And while these families all function to provide love, caregiving, and a sense of community, LGBTQ+ families and families that don’t follow the two-parent model that our laws were originally written for have unique considerations when it comes to family law.

As one of Colorado’s largest family law practices, The Harris Law Firm has extensive experience representing LGBTQ+ families and families that include individuals of different genders and identities. If you have questions about a case and how we can help, call (303) 622-5502or contact us online.

Common Family Issues Related to the LGBTQ+ Community

In Colorado, LGBTQ+ families face several family law issues that reflect broader national challenges but also specific local legal nuances. Here's an overview of the common family law issues they might encounter:

• 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+ 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.

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

Whether you need assistance with adoption, securing parental rights, resolving custody disputes, or protecting your family from discrimination, we are here to advocate for you every step of the way. 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 with divorce or custody needs, our attorneys at The Harris Law Firm have the insight and resources to help.

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

One of our values at The Harris Law Firm is developing a culture of diversity. As families continue to take on new and varied forms, we are eager to help families navigate the specific legal issues they face efficiently and effectively.

The Harris Law Firm proudly serves individuals and families throughout Colorado. To speak with an attorney about your matter and how we can help, call (303) 622-5502.