Diverse and Non-Traditional Families

Philadelphia Lawyers for the Diverse or Non-Traditional Family:

Gay and Lesbian Couples · Unmarried Heterosexual Couples · Grandparents

The family law attorneys at the law firm of Berman & Asbel, LLP understand that the face of the American family is changing. A typical American household may include a traditional heterosexual couple, a same-sex couple, two people who are living together but are not legally married, grandparents raising children, and other couples with a relationship not recognized under Pennsylvania law.

At the Media, Pennsylvania, law firm of Berman & Asbel, LLP, we help diverse and non-traditional families in Pennsylvania work through legal issues and ensure that they have the rights they want and deserve.

Contact Berman & Asbel, LLP today for a free initial consultation with an experienced family law attorney. We can help you protect the rights you do have and plan well for the future.

Our lawyers provide legal representation for all types of non-traditional families, including:

• Gay couples
• Lesbian couples
• Unmarried heterosexual couples
• Families where grandparents serve as the primary caregivers
• Siblings who live together and raise their children in the same home

Pennsylvania laws are not evolving as quickly as the American family is, which means same sex couples have not been granted the same rights that traditional couples enjoy. Currently in Pennsylvania, gay couples and lesbian couples can have children together through assisted reproduction and second parent adoption, but same-sex couples are not granted the right to be recognized in Pennsylvania in a marriage or in a civil union and only certain communities and employers recognize domestic partnerships. We work with couples on these issues and other LGBT issues. We also advise New Jersey couples who were granted a civil union in that state or entered a marriage or civil union in another state that is not recognized now that they have moved to Pennsylvania.

Legal Help for Unmarried Couples and Same-Sex Couples

People in a committed relationship can have legal rights even if the relationship is not recognized by Pennsylvania law. In same-sex relationships and unmarried heterosexual relationships, under Pennsylvania law, if one partner is incapacitated, the surviving partner does not automatically have the right to decide medical care or handle his or her partner's finances or assets. If one partner dies, the other does not automatically gain ownership of the other's property or assets. Our family lawyers understand how these laws limit committed couples, and we can help same-sex couples and unmarried couples to make plans and to prepare documents so they can have as many rights and protections as are possible under current Pennsylvania law. We have the experience to assist clients with the following:

• Family law issues: Our lawyers assist non-traditional families with issues involving child custody, child support, child abuse and neglect, grandparent or family adoption, common law marriage dissolution and other needs. Additionally, we assist same-sex couples with issues involving New Jersey civil union, civil union or domestic partnership dissolution, second-parent adoptions, assisted reproduction through surrogacy, property agreements and other family law.
• Estate planning issues: We draft wills and trusts to grant a same-sex partner the right to property and assets. We also establish medical powers of attorney to give a partner the right to decide medical treatment and care.

The law concerning non-traditional families and same-sex couples' rights are constantly changing, particularly with the continuing legislative debate on same-sex marriage. With so much at stake — your children, your loved one's well-being, and your shared assets — you need an experienced lawyer who is up to speed on these developing areas of law. Don't settle for anything less than the skill, experience and knowledge of the family law attorneys at Berman & Asbel, LLP. We understand and seek to protect GLBT rights. We can help you plan ahead with legal documents to ensure that you have the rights you want and deserve.

Contact our firm today for a free initial consultation. At Berman & Asbel, LLP, we're here to listen, and we're here to help.