Collaboration Is A Better Way.

LGBTQ Family Law: Proud To Serve The LGBTQ Community

As a passionate advocate of equality and civil rights, Chase, Berenstein and Murray, Counselors at Law, proudly represents lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender and queer individuals and couples in all matters concerning family law.

Families come in all shapes and sizes. With the continuously evolving landscape of same-sex marriages and family law, we invest time in learning the issues and unique experiences of the LGBTQ community to properly address all their family law concerns and other legal needs. When you come to our firm, be assured you and your family will be treated with respect and compassion.

Compassionate Counsel And Skillful Representation

The fight for same-sex unions has been a long and difficult undertaking for the LGBTQ community. We understand how painful it can be when a same-sex marriage or domestic partnership comes to an end. As an experienced divorce lawyer, attorney Lisa Murray can be a compassionate counselor as well as a knowledgeable representative.

Chase, Berenstein and Murray, Counselors at Law, is prepared to advocate for your rights and best interests in the following areas:

Whether you want to resolve your family law case through mediation or collaborative law, attorney Murray has the skills and resources to help. She is committed to achieving the most favorable outcome possible for you and your family.

Answers To LGBTQ Families’ Common Questions

People often have questions as their family grows and changes. At Chase, Berenstein and Murray, we answer common questions for LGBTQ individuals, couples and families. We can also address the unique challenges each family faces.

What are the legal benefits of marriage for same-sex couples?

When same-sex couples marry, they receive many of the same legal benefits as heterosexual couples. These benefits include tax breaks, rights to inherit, support from a spouse and the ability to make decisions about health care and finances for each other.

Marriage also supports each spouse’s rights if the couple separates. This includes ensuring that they receive their fair share of community property, and the creation of fair custody agreements.

What is a domestic partnership? How does it differ from marriage?

A domestic partnership is a legal relationship where registered couples receive some of the same benefits as marriage. These include health insurance, rights under the California Family Rights Act, the opportunity to adopt a partner’s child and visitation rights.

However, some states and the federal government do not recognize these partnerships. This means some benefits of marriage, like filing joint federal tax returns, are not available to people in a domestic partnership.

Can LGBTQ individuals adopt children in California?

Yes, in California, LGBTQ individuals and couples can adopt children. State law ensures there is no discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in adoption cases. This gives LGBTQ people the same chance to grow their families through adoption as anyone else.

What are the legal options for LGBTQ individuals who want to start a family through assisted reproduction?

LGBTQ individuals can start families using methods like artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization (IVF) and surrogacy. It is important to have legal agreements to clarify parental rights and responsibilities during these processes. Talking to a lawyer who knows about these issues can help protect your legal rights as your family grows.

Get More Information On LGBTQ Family Law

To learn more about how Chase, Berenstein and Murray, Counselors at Law, can help you, schedule a confidential consultation by calling 650-642-3897 or contacting us through our website. We serve clients throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.