Same sex couples, married or unmarried, have unique legal needs when a relationship ends. You may need to decide how to divide your property, assets, and debts. If you have children you will also have questions surrounding visitation and child support.
Non-biological parents who have completed a second parent adoption (which is available in Knoxville to same sex couples) are legal parents and their parental rights are protected. Non-biological parents who have not adopted children they are raising are often at the mercy of the biological parent. If you have not established yourself as a legal parent you can still take the initiative to create a formal agreement regarding visitation and support. Couples can always choose to voluntarily agree to terms of visitation and child support in order to protect the relationship between non-biological and non-adoptive parents and their child.
Mediation is an excellent option. Even when you are not compelled to file papers regarding property division or co-parenting, you may mediate a contract with your partner that can protect your family and ease the transition that comes with the break up of a relationship. You will certainly want the advice of an attorney who is familiar with LGBT issues.
Non-biological parents who have completed a second parent adoption (which is available in Knoxville to same sex couples) are legal parents and their parental rights are protected. Non-biological parents who have not adopted children they are raising are often at the mercy of the biological parent. If you have not established yourself as a legal parent you can still take the initiative to create a formal agreement regarding visitation and support. Couples can always choose to voluntarily agree to terms of visitation and child support in order to protect the relationship between non-biological and non-adoptive parents and their child.
Mediation is an excellent option. Even when you are not compelled to file papers regarding property division or co-parenting, you may mediate a contract with your partner that can protect your family and ease the transition that comes with the break up of a relationship. You will certainly want the advice of an attorney who is familiar with LGBT issues.