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Same Sex Divorce Attorney in Beverly Hills, CA
The decision to end a marriage is never an easy one, but if you’re ready to end your same-sex marriage, knowing what to expect can help ease the process. Same sex divorces can have different considerations and circumstances than traditional divorces do. Hiring a Beverly Hills same sex divorce lawyer can provide additional support during this difficult time.
Hire a Same-Sex Divorce Lawyer With Compassion
Benefield Faulk Law is a family law firm that has been providing aggressive and compassionate legal services to families in Beverly Hills for 15 years. We believe in the law as a means of protecting individuals’ rights and as a foundation for resolving conflict. Our practice is founded on mental determination and intellectual fortitude, but above all, compassion for others.
Challenges of Same-Sex Divorce Cases
The first same-sex marriage in the US took place in California in 2008. By 2021, there were an estimated 710,000 married same-sex households nationwide. As progressive as California has been in support of the LGBTQ community, same-sex divorce, though, isn’t without challenges, even in California.
Just as same-sex marriage was unprecedented until recent years, so was same-sex divorce. Same-sex divorce cases are governed by the same laws as opposite-sex divorce. However, some circumstances of same-sex divorces make them more complicated for some couples. Below are some examples.
- Social stigma: Some courts and/or traditional divorce attorneys still have trouble understanding same-sex couples in court proceedings. Bias and even the slightest bit of discrimination can affect rulings regarding custody, spousal support, and other areas of divorce.
- Parental rights and child custody: In an opposite-sex marriage, the father is automatically given rights to children from the marriage. This makes custody simple upon divorce. In same-sex divorce, on the other hand, if there was no formal adoption or both parents are listed on the birth certificate, determining custody can get complicated.
- Marital property: Most legal same-sex marriages are not older than 2008, but many couples have been together for much longer. Beverly Hills same sex divorce laws define marital property as assets acquired after the date of marriage. But for some couples, they’ve had community property and commingled assets long before their actual marriage date.
- Marital timeline: The length of marriage can affect spousal support as well. Couples may have been together for decades, but their marriage date tells another story. This can limit eligibility for support. It can also thwart efforts to collect survivor benefits from retirement accounts and Social Security.
Why You Need a Same Sex Divorce Lawyer
When you hire a same sex divorce lawyer from an established law firm, they are going to be familiar with the local courts. Even though the laws are the same, different counties do things differently. Having a guide who can inform you of what to expect and advise you along the way can be an invaluable asset.
Once you and your attorney draft your divorce papers, they can file them on your behalf at the appropriate courthouse. In Beverly Hills, all divorces are handled by the Los Angeles Superior Court system, located at the Beverly Hills Courthouse. It is located at 9355 Burton Way, Beverly Hills.
Why Choose Us?
Benefield Faulk Law has an effective legal strategy for every same-sex divorce challenge described above. When you hire a same sex divorce lawyer from our law firm, you’re getting an aggressive and powerful advocate for your case. We are straightforward and no-nonsense when it comes to our clients’ legal matters.
FAQs
How Much Does a Same Sex Divorce Cost?
The cost of a same sex divorce, like an opposite-sex divorce, depends on many different factors that are unique to each case. Such factors include the complexity of marital assets and liabilities, which may be more complicated for same-sex couples, and the willingness of both spouses to reach an agreement. Other factors, such as the lawyer’s rate, can also affect the overall cost.
How Do Same-Sex Couples Get a Divorce?
Same-sex couples get a divorce in the same manner as traditional, opposite-sex couples get divorced. The process depends on whether the divorce is contested and on the circumstances regarding issues such as child custody, spousal support, and property division. It can be a good move to hire a same-sex divorce attorney who can offer more knowledge and experience from similar cases and provide a better understanding of federal and state same-sex divorce laws.
Does Child Support Get Split Between Two Mothers?
Child support is split between two mothers the same way it is split between a mother and father. The obligations and earnings of each parent are considered in determining child support arrangements in a same-sex divorce or custody case.
It is important to understand that every case is different, with unique details and circumstances that can significantly affect its outcome. It’s difficult to predict how child support is split because it varies each time, depending on the situation.
What Are the Residency Requirements for Divorce in California?
When filing for divorce in California, one of the two spouses must have lived in California for a minimum of six months. Furthermore, the same spouse must have lived in the county where filing for at least three months. The location of the actual marriage does not matter for same-sex couples. You can file for a legal separation and divorce later if neither spouse has met the residency requirements.
Discuss Your Case With a Dedicated Same Sex Divorce Attorney
Benefield Faulk Law is one of the most experienced law firms in Beverly Hills for same sex divorces. We know the laws and are well-versed in explaining them to our clients, their opposing spouses, and their attorneys.
If you are ready to make progress in your same sex divorce case with a lawyer who is going to fight for you, contact Benefield Faulk Law. Our firm sets the standard for a Beverly Hills same sex divorce lawyer. Schedule an appointment to talk to our legal team about your case.
