At Orlando Family Team, we proudly advocate for and support LGBTQ+ individuals and families navigating Florida’s family law system. Whether you are facing a divorce, planning to grow your family through adoption or surrogacy, or working to protect your parental rights, our attorneys provide compassionate guidance and strong legal advocacy tailored to your needs. We understand the unique challenges LGBTQ+ individuals may face in the legal system and are committed to ensuring your rights are fully protected.
Divorce and Separation for LGBTQ+ Couples
Same-sex marriage is legally recognized in Florida, and with that recognition comes access to the same divorce laws that apply to all couples. However, some situations may present added complexity—particularly if your relationship began before marriage equality was recognized in Florida.
Our attorneys help LGBTQ+ clients with all aspects of divorce, including:
- Property Division: Ensuring fair distribution of marital assets and debts, including real estate, retirement accounts, and jointly owned businesses.
- Spousal Support (Alimony): Advocating for fair support arrangements based on each partner’s financial situation.
- Child Custody and Time-Sharing: Protecting your rights as a parent and promoting arrangements that serve your child’s best interests.
We recognize the emotional and legal challenges that can arise during separation and work to minimize conflict while safeguarding your future.
Property Division and Financial Matters
Florida follows the principle of equitable distribution, meaning property is divided fairly—but not necessarily equally—during a divorce. For LGBTQ+ couples, property division can be more complex if assets were acquired before legal marriage but during the relationship. Our attorneys work to trace ownership, evaluate premarital contributions, and present evidence that supports your financial rights.
Adoption and Parental Rights for LGBTQ+ Families
Forming and protecting your family is a deeply personal process. We help LGBTQ+ individuals and couples with a range of adoption options, including:
- Second-Parent Adoption: Allowing a non-biological parent to adopt their partner’s child without terminating the biological parent’s rights.
- Step-Parent Adoption: For married couples where one spouse seeks legal parent status for their spouse’s child.
- Private and Agency Adoption: Guiding you through the legal requirements for domestic or international adoption.
Our goal is to ensure your parental rights are secure so your relationship with your child is fully protected under Florida law.
Surrogacy and Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Agreements
Many LGBTQ+ couples turn to surrogacy, sperm donation, egg donation, or other assisted reproductive methods to build their families. These arrangements require carefully drafted legal agreements to define the rights and responsibilities of parents.
Our firm assists with:
- Drafting and reviewing surrogacy contracts.
- Ensuring compliance with Florida’s surrogacy laws.
- Establishing legal parentage before or after the child’s birth.
We make sure your family’s legal foundation is solid from the start, reducing the risk of disputes in the future.
Protecting Parental Rights in Disputes
In some cases, a non-biological parent’s rights may be challenged—especially if there is no formal adoption or legal recognition of the parent-child relationship. Florida does not have an explicit “psychological parent” doctrine, meaning the legal protections for non-biological parents are not automatic. We work to establish or defend your legal parentage through adoption, court orders, or negotiated agreements, giving you a stronger position in custody or visitation matters.
Why Choose Orlando Family Team
Our attorneys combine deep knowledge of Florida family law with a genuine commitment to inclusivity and equality. We are proud to stand beside LGBTQ+ clients, providing legal strategies that reflect both your legal needs and personal values.
If you are seeking guidance on divorce, adoption, surrogacy, or parental rights, Bernal-Mora & Nickolaou, P.A. is here to help you protect what matters most. Contact us today.
