Chicago, IL LGBTQ+ Family Lawyer

Compassionate Lawyer for LGBTQ+ Family Issues in Chicago, Illinois

Legal issues and disputes involving family members can be difficult to navigate, as it may be a struggle to separate your emotions from the legal proceedings. In these delicate family matters, members of the gay, lesbian, bi, and transgender communities may experience further hardship due to unconscious biases or complex laws. To ensure that your best interests are protected, consider working with a highly qualified Lakeview, Chicago LGBTQ+ divorce attorney.

At Cameron Law Center, LLC, we are proud to represent LGBTQ+ residents of Chicago in family law cases. Our firm is here to stand up for your rights, providing you with strong counsel and representation throughout your case.

Divorce for Same-Sex Couples in Lakeview, Chicago

Since same-sex marriage was legalized in Illinois in 2014, gay and lesbian married couples have been afforded the same rights as their heterosexual counterparts. Courts are not allowed to discriminate in issues of property division and spousal support based on the gender or sexual orientation of either spouse.

At Cameron Law Center, LLC, we can help you navigate the intricacies of filing for a dissolution of marriage in Illinois. In particular, property division can be a major source of conflict for a married couple, especially if they have a large marital estate that must be split up carefully. We can help you negotiate for a favorable split of property outside of court with the aim of saving you time and money. That being said, we are also prepared to handle your case through litigation if needed, fighting for your rights to property.

Some of the marital property in your divorce may include:

• Real estate
• Bank accounts
• Expensive jewelry and art pieces
• Furniture
• Investments
• Retirement accounts

Keep in mind that debts incurred during the marriage may also be considered part of your marital estate and therefore subject to division. We will work toward a solution that does not leave you burdened with an unreasonable share of your spouse's liabilities.

Child Custody for LGBTQ+ Couples in Lakeview, Chicago

In child custody cases with LGBTQ+ families, the judge's decision will be informed by the child's best interests, which can factor in the child's needs, relationship with their parents and siblings, preferences regarding custody, and much more.

Child custody for LGBTQ+ parents can become complicated if one parent has not established their legal parentage over the child. This can stand as an obstacle in the way of petitioning for custody rights, possibly impacting their ability to secure parenting time or decision-making responsibility.

LGBTQ+ Adoptions in Illinois

LGBTQ+ parents have the same adoption rights as other parents in the state of Illinois. There are many pathways to adoption, such as foster to adopt, working with an agency, or pursuing a private adoption.

In some cases, a same-sex couple may pursue what is known as a "second-parent adoption." This is usually reserved for cases where one parent has already legally established their parentage, but the other has not, even if they have played a parental role in the child's life. The purpose of a second-parent adoption is to establish the custody rights of the non-legal parent in case the established parent dies or the couple gets divorced.

Contact a Lakeview, Chicago LGBTQ+ Family Lawyer Today

At Cameron Law Center, LLC, we are ardent supporters of the LGBTQ+ community throughout Chicago. When you work with our firm, you will receive individualized legal advice and advocacy tailored to your family's unique needs.

Attorney Timothy Cameron has over 10 years of legal experience, so you can rest assured that your case will be in good hands. Call our offices at 312-489-8638 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our LGBTQ+ Lakeview family law attorney.