Protecting the Rights of LGBTQ+ Families in New York

At Cohen Stine Kapoor LLP, we are proud to represent LGBTQ+ individuals and families with skill, discretion, and compassion. Our firm has long been on the forefront of legal developments affecting same-sex couples and non-traditional families. We help clients navigate the complex and evolving landscape of family law with respect to marriage, divorce, parenting, property rights, and more.

Whether you are planning your family, facing separation, or confronting legal uncertainty around parental rights, our attorneys are here to guide you.

Marriage and Divorce Rights for Same-Sex Couples

Since 2011, New York State has recognized same-sex marriages, and since 2015, so has the U.S. Supreme Court. Same-sex couples have the same legal rights and responsibilities as opposite-sex couples when it comes to divorce, property division, and spousal support.

However, many same-sex couples face unique challenges when dissolving a marriage, especially if they were together long before legal marriage was an option. Questions may arise about how long the economic partnership lasted, which assets are marital, and how spousal support should be calculated.

We help clients evaluate these questions carefully and advocate for equitable outcomes.

Parentage and Custody in LGBTQ+ Families

One of the most important—and most sensitive—issues in same-sex family law is parentage. Legal parent-child relationships are not always presumed or automatic, especially in cases involving assisted reproduction, surrogacy, or children born before marriage.

We assist clients with:

• Custody and visitation disputes involving non-biological parents

• Establishing parentage through court orders or agreements

Surrogacy arrangements and donor agreements

New York law is evolving to provide greater protections for LGBTQ+ parents, but court decisions may still vary depending on the facts of the case. For this reason, it is critical to ensure that legal parentage is clearly established, especially before disputes arise.

Planning Ahead for LGBTQ+ Families

We also work with same-sex couples to proactively address legal matters before conflicts emerge. This may include:

• Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements

• Estate planning and wills

• Guardianship designations

• Custody agreements for unmarried couples

• Health care proxies and powers of attorney

By planning ahead, LGBTQ+ individuals and couples can protect their rights and their families from legal uncertainty in the future.

Contact Our Family Law Attorneys

At Cohen Stine Kapoor LLP, we are proud to support same-sex couples and LGBTQ+ families through every stage of life. Whether you're building a family, resolving a dispute, or planning for the future, we provide thoughtful, experienced legal representation tailored to your unique needs.

Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation and learn how we can help you protect what matters most.