Mar 16, 2023

LGBTQIA Divorce in Bucks County

Divorce in PA

Divorce can be a difficult task no matter your sexual identity or orientation. The Alpha Center for Divorce Mediation offers a safe and secure environment to assist LGBTQIA couples navigate the uncertain waters of a divorce proceeding. Our experienced attorney mediators are knowledgeable about LGBTQIA issues and supportive of the needs and concerns faced by these individuals. Our mediation program can help any couple work towards an amicable resolution to their differences.

It is important to understand the unique challenges of a LGBTQIA divorce since much of family law was written before same-sex marriage was legal. One of the main issues faced involves the recent recognition of same-sex marriages (May 20, 2014, in Pennsylvania). Many couples facing divorce have been together for many years prior to getting “legally” married. The state of Pennsylvania only recognizes common law marriages prior to January 2, 2005, and it is extremely difficult to prove one existed. Therefore, these long-term relationships are treated as only being together for the few years they were actually married which impacts asset division, alimony and other divorce issues. Additionally, LGBTQIA couples with children could face difficulty in a family court setting when discussing the legal parentage of the non-biological parent. They can face bias from the Court who might offer more recognition to the party it deems to have provided more of the traditional childcare. Further, major challenges can be faced by a parent undergoing a gender change. Social stigma and discrimination can affect the relationship and the transgender parent might be prevented from seeing the children.

Nevertheless, here in Bucks County within the state of Pennsylvania, same- sex couples have been afforded the same equal marriage rights applied to a different sex couple. The Pennsylvania divorce code covers three main areas surrounding the legal and physical custody of children, equitable division of the marital property and alimony/spousal support. Therefore, same-sex couples are offered the same legal protections to help ensure a fair and equitable divorce settlement.

As mentioned above, social stigma and discrimination are real problems faced by the LGBTQIA community. Consequently, it is important to find an attorney who is knowledgeable about LGBTQIA issues and supportive of those needs and concerns. The attorney mediators at the Alpha Center have experience with helping same-sex couples traverse the turbulent waters of a divorce. Further, they offer a safe environment to work towards a fair settlement agreement, containing the decisions of both parties, without facing possible discrimination from a family court judge. Additionally, the Alpha Center can provide resources for assistance with finding therapy for co-parenting, reducing relationship stress, and navigating the divorce transition.

The Alpha Center for Divorce Mediation has been providing an alternative to the high cost and harmful stress of a litigated divorce for the past thirty years. Our attorney mediators provide an environment to help assist the couple to settle their differences amicably. Let the Alpha Center help your family make a harmonious transition to a healthy future for you, your children, and your family.

Reach our Attorney Experts – Contact us

Alpha Center for Divorce Mediation
Email: alphacares@alpha-divorce.com
Phone: 1-800-310-9085