Marriage can be complicated for many reasons. That said, it can be argued that same-sex couples face certain struggles and challenges that other couples may not face.
At the Baghdaserians Law Group, Inc, our Pasadena same-sex marriage attorneys can offer experienced counsel and skilled representation to overcome any unique obstacle. We have been helping families resolve their marital matters for decades. Our talented legal team has extensive experience in a wide range of family law matters.
Contact the Baghdaserians Law Group, Inc in Pasadena today and schedule an initial consultation by clicking here or calling (626) 460-9525.
Our attorneys are dedicated to helping families during their most trying times. Whether you are faced with divorce or need to modify a child custody arrangement, the knowledgeable legal team at the Baghdaserians Law Group, Inc is here to help.
We are proud to provide:
Family matters are usually highly emotional, sensitive issues that require an experienced and level-headed lawyer to guide you through the process. Our dedicated attorneys will take the time to understand your situation and desired outcome. Next, we will strategize the best approach to securing your goals.
We have successfully helped families through a number of family law matters, including:
Our Pasadena family law attorneys represent a variety of legal matters. Call the esteemed lawyers of the Baghdaserians Law Group, Inc for a consultation today.
Same-sex marriages are on the rise. In addition, more adults are identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, pansexual, or questioning. Currently, the US Census Bureau is now recognizing same-sex couples and members of the LGBTQ community.
According to the latest data:
Same-sex marriage has increased by 38%
LGBTQ Americans are twice as likely to cite legal rights and benefits as important for getting married, including:
In cases of family law, benefits are drastically altered in the event of a divorce, child custody disputes, and spousal support. Contact family law attorneys today to discuss your options.
In May 2008, the California Supreme Court held that the state constitution guarantees the right to marry all, regardless of sexual orientation. The court held various family code statutes unconstitutional as their provisions distinguished between same-sex and opposite-sex couples.
However, in November 2008, Proposition 8 was passed by California voters. This initiative measure amended the state constitution by declaring that only opposite-sex marriages were valid and recognized in the state. Prop. 8 was challenged and upheld by the supreme court as a “permissible constitutional amendment.” However, the court also held that the measure was not retroactive and allowed some same-sex marriages to stand.
Thereafter, Prop. 8 was challenged based on the United States Constitution. The Federal District Court, upheld by the Ninth Circuit Court of appeals, held that Prop. 8 violated the due process and Equal Protection Clauses of the 14th Amendment of the United States Constitution. The United States Supreme Court did not decide the case on the merits but based on a procedural issue, namely, lack of standing, kicked the case back down to the 9th Circuit, who dismissed the case for lack of jurisdiction, effectively making same-sex marriage legal in California.
In 2015, the crux of the issue of same-sex marriage was settled by the United States Supreme Court. It held that same-sex couples have a fundamental constitutional right to marry throughout the nation.
In the area of child custody, courts have held that sexual orientation is not a determinative factor regarding the issue of custody; though they have held that it is a factor to be considered as far as the court found it relevant regarding the child’s best interest. However, though unclear today, it is highly unlikely a court today would consider sexual orientation a factor in custody. Today, same-sex couples can register as domestic partners and have the same rights regarding their children. They can even be considered parents of their children if they are not registered as partners. The supreme court has allowed a second parent of a same-sex couple to adopt a child as a natural child.
In the area of child custody, a court may not prefer a parent due to the parent’s gender. Furthermore, two parents of the same gender can be granted parental rights (thus, custody).
If you are in a same-sex marriage (including one that may be ending in divorce or legal separation) and you are in need of the services of a family law attorney, you might assume that any family law firm is capable of serving your needs.
This is not necessarily the case. Again, for various reasons, same-sex couples can face unique challenges and circumstances when handling certain family law matters. Thus, when hiring an attorney, it is wise to choose one who has experience representing individuals in same-sex marriages.
A qualified Pasadena same-sex marriage lawyer can serve your specific needs better than a family law attorney who doesn’t have experience working with clients in same-sex marriages because:
Unfortunately, although California may be a relatively LGBTQ-friendly state when compared to others throughout the country, anyone in a same-sex marriage knows that plenty of Californians can still discriminate against or otherwise mistreat members of the LGBTQ community.
When you hire a family lawyer, you should be able to expect that they will treat you respectfully and will not allow bigotry to influence how they handle your case. However, some lawyers fail to live up to this expectation. This is not something you should have to contend with when a lawyer is supposed to be representing you fairly.
It also isn’t something you need to worry about when you hire a Pasadena family law attorney with experience representing clients in same-sex marriages. If you choose our Pasadena same-sex marriage firm, you can be confident your lawyer respects you and behaves accordingly.
A family law attorney can play many roles in your life when you hire one. Often, a lawyer is an advisor, helping you better understand your legal rights when you are getting a divorce, attempting to be granted custody of your child, or navigating any other such family law issue.
Our Pasadena same-sex marriage attorney will account for the fact that the circumstances you face may be different from those faced by someone in an opposite-sex marriage when giving you advice. For example, in an opposite-sex marriage, both members of the couple will automatically be considered the parents of any children they have together.
That’s not always the case in a same-sex marriage. For a member of a same-sex couple to be considered a child’s parent, they might have to either establish paternity or legally adopt the child.
This is just one example of the ways family law cases involving same-sex marriages can be unique when compared to similar cases involving opposite-sex couples. At our Pasadena same-sex marriage law firm, whenever an attorney discusses your legal rights and options, they will do so in a manner that acknowledges these types of differences. If you were to hire a Pasadena family law attorney who has limited experience working with clients in same-sex marriages, the advice they offer you might not always be completely accurate.
Having litigated matters regarding the same-sex couple before, Attorney Patrick Baghdaserians is well-versed in ensuring that his client’s rights are aggressively protected regardless of their sexual orientation or status. Patrick Baghdaserians also has a long track record of ensuring that his client’s rights are never impacted by their gender.
When facing emotionally difficult family matters, it is crucial to have an experienced lawyer by your side. The Pasadena same-sex marriage attorneys of the Baghdaserians Law Group, Inc will work tirelessly to secure the best and most desirable outcome.
Contact our dedicated legal team today and schedule an evaluation of your case. Every family is unique. You deserve an attorney who will take the time to understand your particular set of circumstances and discuss the best course of action.
You can contact Baghdaserians Law Group, Inc for a consultation today by clicking here or calling (626) 460-9525.
We serve clients throughout California including, but not limited to, those in the following localities: Los Angeles County including Arcadia, Baldwin Park,
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