LGBTQ+ families navigate the same legal challenges as anyone else — plus a few that are specific to their situation. I've been advocating for LGBTQ+ clients and their families in San Diego for over a decade, and I bring both legal knowledge and genuine understanding to every case.
LGBTQ+ Family Law Has Its Own Set of Complications
The law has come a long way — but it hasn't caught up everywhere, and the details still matter enormously depending on when and where a relationship or family was formed.
Your marriage, domestic partnership, or parental rights may be treated differently depending on how and when they were established
You're not sure how California law applies to your specific family structure — especially if you moved from another state
You need an attorney who understands your situation without you having to explain or justify it first
You deserve the same quality of legal representation as anyone else — and a lawyer who already understands the legal landscape specific to your family.
What's at Stake for LGBTQ+ Families in Family Court
The rights you've built — as a spouse, a parent, or a partner — are worth protecting. The details of how your family was formed legally can have real consequences in court.
With Legal Guidance
Your parental rights are established and protected — regardless of biological connection
Your marriage or domestic partnership is properly recognized in California proceedings
Your family structure is understood and accurately presented to the court
Custody, support, and property matters are resolved fairly and completely
Without Legal Guidance
Parental rights going unprotected because of how the family was formed
Outdated or out-of-state agreements that don't translate cleanly to California law
A court proceeding where your family structure is misunderstood or misrepresented
Custody disputes where non-biological parental relationships are challenged
An Attorney With a Decade of Advocacy for LGBTQ+ Families
I understand that finding an attorney you trust with something this personal takes more than just credentials. It takes knowing you won't spend half your consultation explaining your family before getting to your actual legal question. I've been part of the San Diego LGBTQ+ legal community for over a decade — you can come in as you are.
I've served on the boards of the Tom Homann LGBT Law Association (including as Co-President) and the National LGBT Bar Association. I've been recognized as one of the Best LGBT Lawyers Under 40 by the National LGBT Bar Association and named a Top 50 LGBTQ+ Leader of Influence by the San Diego Business Journal. That background isn't just biographical — it reflects a longstanding commitment to this community that shows up in how I practice.
Tom Homann LGBT Law Association — Co-President and Board member (2013–2018)
National LGBT Bar Association — Board of Directors (2016–2018)
Best LGBT Lawyers Under 40 — National LGBT Bar Association, 2016
Top 50 LGBTQ+ Leaders of Influence — San Diego Business Journal, 2022
Family law attorney since 2012 — bilingual, English and Spanish
Here's How We Work Through Your Case
1
Book a Consultation
We'll talk through your situation — your family structure, your legal concerns, and what you're trying to protect or resolve. No explanations required beyond what's legally relevant.
2
Assess Your Legal Position
I'll identify how California law applies to your specific situation, flag any complications from how your relationship or family was legally formed, and explain your options clearly.
3
Move Forward With a Strategy That Works for Your Family
Whether we're handling a divorce, a custody dispute, a domestic partnership dissolution, or a parenting rights matter, I'll build a strategy that accounts for the specifics of your family — not a generic template.
Your family is your family. My job is to make sure the law treats it that way.
What to Know About LGBTQ+ Family Law in California
California has some of the strongest LGBTQ+ family law protections in the country. Same-sex marriage has been legal statewide since 2013 (following the U.S. Supreme Court's Obergefell decision in 2015, which made it national). California also recognizes registered domestic partnerships, which carry many of the same rights as marriage under state law. Divorce and dissolution for same-sex couples and domestic partners follows the same legal framework as any other marriage or partnership in California — community property division, spousal support, custody, and child support all apply. The key complications typically arise from the timeline: relationships or family structures formed before full legal recognition may have gaps that need to be addressed carefully. Parental rights are an area where LGBTQ+ families sometimes face unique challenges — particularly when one parent has a biological connection and the other does not, or when surrogacy or adoption was involved. California law provides mechanisms for establishing full legal parentage for both parents, but the process and protections depend on how the family was formed. Domestic partnerships established before same-sex marriage was legalized may have their own legal history that affects how dissolution or property division is handled. If your partnership predates marriage equality, the specific dates and circumstances matter.
Quick Facts
California fully recognizes same-sex marriage and registered domestic partnerships
Dissolution, divorce, custody, and support follow the same framework as any other marriage
Parental rights for non-biological parents must be legally established — don't assume they're automatic
Pre-marriage domestic partnerships may have distinct legal histories that affect dissolution
COMMON SITUATIONS
Same-sex divorce or domestic partnership dissolution
Establishing legal parental rights for a non-biological parent
Custody disputes where one parent's legal relationship to the child is being questioned
Property or support matters from a relationship formed before marriage equality
What I Bring to LGBTQ+ Family Law Cases
Deep roots in the community
I've been active in LGBTQ+ legal advocacy in San Diego for over a decade — as an attorney, a board member, and a community leader. This isn't a niche I picked up recently.
I know where the legal gaps are
LGBTQ+ family law has unique complications that a generalist attorney can miss — particularly around pre-Obergefell relationships, parental rights for non-biological parents, and the interplay between domestic partnership and marriage law. I know where to look.
No need to explain yourself
You come in, we talk about your legal situation. That's it. I've been in this space long enough that your family structure is never the surprising part of the conversation.
What Clients Say
Frequently Asked Questions About LGBTQ+ Family Law
Yes. California law applies the same framework — community property division, spousal support, custody, and child support — regardless of the gender or sexual orientation of the spouses. The complications that do arise are usually about timing: relationships formed before marriage equality may have a legal history that needs careful attention.
The dissolution process for a registered domestic partnership in California is similar to divorce, but there are some differences — particularly for partnerships formed before same-sex marriage was legal. The dates matter, and so does whether you registered with the state. We'll work through what applies to your specific situation.
That depends on how your parental relationship was legally established. California law allows for legal parentage to be established for non-biological parents through a number of mechanisms — including a voluntary declaration of parentage, court order, or adoption. If your parental relationship was never formally established, that's something we should address as soon as possible. Don't assume it's automatic.
Likely yes, if you went through a properly structured surrogacy agreement with a California attorney — California has strong surrogacy law that establishes intended parents' rights. If the surrogacy occurred in another state or country, or without a formal agreement, we need to look at the specifics carefully.
No. California courts cannot consider a parent's sexual orientation or gender identity in custody determinations. The standard is the best interest of the child — full stop. If you're concerned that bias is playing a role in your case, that's something we can address directly.
California will generally recognize your relationship, but the legal history matters — particularly for property that was acquired in the other state, or if your relationship was formed during a period when it wasn't legally recognized. This is an area where the details really count. Let's talk through your timeline.
LGBTQ+ family law matters are handled in the superior court of the county where the parties reside. Contact us to confirm jurisdiction for your situation.
Our Other Practice Areas
LGBTQ+ Family Law
LGBTQ+ families navigate the same legal challenges as anyone else — plus a few that are specific to their situation. I've been advocating for LGBTQ+ clients and their families in San Diego for over a decade, and I bring both legal knowledge and genuine understanding to every case.
Ending a marriage is one of the hardest decisions you’ll face. I help clients in San Diego navigate it with honesty, clarity, and a strategy built around their situation — not a generic playbook.
International child abduction cases move faster than almost any other matter in family law. I have direct experience with Hague Convention proceedings, U.S. State Department coordination, and cross-border custody emergencies. If your child has been taken — or if you're facing a return petition — you need to act now.
Custody disputes are emotionally intense — and the decisions made now will shape your children's lives for years. I help parents build parenting plans that protect their relationship with their kids, hold up in court, and avoid unnecessary conflict.
Child and spousal support can be the most financially consequential part of a divorce or separation. I help clients in San Diego establish, negotiate, and modify support orders that are accurate, fair, and built to last.
Whether you need protection or you're defending against serious allegations, domestic violence and restraining order cases move quickly — and the consequences are lasting. I represent both sides with urgency, precision, and no unnecessary drama.
Whether you're navigating a divorce, a custody matter, or just trying to understand where you stand legally — I'll give you straight answers and a clear path forward. No judgment, no runaround.
This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different — results depend on the specific facts of your situation.
Bilingual family law support for people navigating divorce, custody, and protection orders in San Diego.
1420 Kettner Blvd., Ste. 300 San Diego, CA 92101 619-752-0125
The information on this website is for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Serving the following Southern California counties: San Diego, Imperial, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino.
