MD (410) 696-4326

DC (202) 964-7280

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Family Law

Maryland and DC LGBTQ Family Law Attorneys

Family Law

Maryland and DC LGBTQ Family Law Attorneys

FAMILY LAW

WILLS AND ESTATE PLANNNING

LEGAL GUARDIANSHIPS

With the right to marry secured for same-sex couples throughout the United States in 2015, an ever-changing landscape of family law issues has continued to present new challenges for their families. From estate planning to divorce and child custody to second-parent adoptions, many LGBTQ couples throughout the country need reliable and compassionate legal guidance more than ever as many laws have yet to catch up.

At The Law Office of Thomas Stahl, our team of attorneys have long-supported and proudly represented members of the LGBTQ communities throughout the state of Maryland and Washington, DC. We have proven our dedication to clients from every walk of life and provided them with recognized law services in every family law aspect. Our clients chose us because we never take a one-size-fits-all approach to cases. After all, every individual and their families are unique.

LGBTQ Divorce Attorneys for Every Family Situation

With marriage equality came access to divorce services in Maryland, which provides for fault and no-fault divorce strategies to couples ready to separate. The difference between these two options is that no-fault divorce has a mandatory 12-month separation period before finalization, except for mutual consent where there is no waiting period for this ground. Fault-based divorces require a spouse to have grounds for the divorce and provide evidence of their accusations. The reason one seeks this type of dissolution is often the result of many experiences during the marriage involving:
  • Adultery
  • Abandonment
  • Criminal conviction
  • Emotional abuse
  • Domestic violence
  • Abusive conduct
Washington, DC is a no-fault divorce jurisdiction. If you intend to pursue a fault-based divorce in Maryland, you must provide the court with evidence of your claim or instead proceed with a no-fault approach after spending a year apart. Lead Attorney Thomas Stahl can help you handle all aspects of property division, including assignment of debt and alimony. You do not have to face this challenging time alone. Call us today for help with your case.

Division of Marital Property and Debt in a Maryland or DC LGBTQ Divorce

Maryland and DC laws treat all assets and debts from marriage as marital property and requires couples to divide it up equitably when divorcing. The caveat to this expectation is that equitable does not necessarily mean 50/50. Many factors can determine how much debt you may have to take responsibility for or when negotiating who should get the marital home. This divorce aspect can be highly contentious and difficult to negotiate without a skilled divorce attorney to keep you calm throughout the process. Emotionally charged decision-making can be one of the most significant contributors to highly contested divorces. Still, our legal team at The Law Office of Thomas Stahl will help you avoid this costly pitfall. We can help you come to a mutually beneficial agreement without sacrificing your best interests in the long run.

Maryland and DC LGBTQ Child Custody Representation

Negotiating child custody arrangements can be especially scary for some LGBTQ parents who may not have completed a second-person adoption to secure their right to visitation and custody. You deserve time with your child, and even if you missed the opportunity to adopt them formally, Maryland and DC laws do recognize de facto parents. These are individuals who are current or recent caretakers of a minor child in the role of a parent. Our firm recognizes the importance of family and being present in our children’s lives. When you turn to The Law Office of Thomas Stahl for legal assistance in your divorce or custody case, we ensure that your rights and relationship with your child do not get trampled in the process.

Child Support Issues Related to LGBTQ Divorce in DC and Maryland

Usually, the amount of child support paid is calculated based on a portion of each parent’s income and custody arrangements. This can become a bit complex in LGBTQ marriages where one or both parents did not perform a second parent adoption establishing their rights and responsibilities as the child’s parent. The court could determine if one of the spouses qualifies as a de facto parent, in which case, all the financial responsibilities of parenthood would come into play. This is a new area of law that requires an understanding of how Maryland family courts approach these issues. With years of experience representing gay and lesbian couples throughout the state, our firm has in-depth knowledge and a strategic approach to these issues that ensures parents maintain a healthy relationship with their child. Maryland law makes it clear that both parents have to support their child, and you can count on us to make sure this happens.

Hire an Experienced LGBTQ Attorney

Divorce in the state of Maryland or in Washington, DC is already complex, but for LGBTQ couples, this process brings a whole other host of issues that can impact their families for years to come. At The Law Office of Thomas Stahl, we are here to guide you through your divorce and achieve a settlement that protects your interests and future after your marriage has ended. As a recognized Maryland Super Lawyer (2019-2021), Lead Attorney Thomas Stahl has demonstrated his commitment to providing the most inclusive family law practice available. Call (410) 696-4326 or (202) 964-7280, or reach out online to schedule a consultation to discuss your family law issues.

Let Us Help You With Your Case

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Maryland Office
8850 Columbia 100 Parkway, Suite 402, Columbia, MD 21045 
Phone: (410) 696-4326

Washington, DC Office
2001 L Street N.W., Suite 500, Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202) 964-7280

COVID-19: Our offices are open and staffed, and ready to assist our clients. To help decrease the risk of transmission of COVID-19, we will require new and existing clients to wear a mask in our office. For the latest info on COVID-19, please visit the Maryland Department of Health and DC Health.

© 2022 Law Offices of Thomas Stahl. All rights reserved. Disclaimer: The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only, and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney client relationship is created until there is a written and signed agreement between you and Law Offices of Thomas Stahl. Privacy Policy.

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