Determining Parental Responsibilities After Same-Sex Divorce

 Posted on July 11, 2018 in Family Law

Determining Parental Responsibilities After Same-Sex DivorceSame-sex couples who have children together can face complications during their divorce or separation that their heterosexual counterparts do not. The right to the allocation of parental responsibilities is based upon both parties being legal parents of the child. Establishing parenthood is clear for most heterosexual couples because they are likely the biological parents of the child. Same-sex couples cannot both be biologically related to the child, and neither are biological parents if the child is adopted. It is in the best interest of the children to maintain a relationship with both parents, regardless of biological relation. However, one parent may try to use the other parent’s non-biological status as a reason to limit his or her parental rights with the children.

Establishing Parenthood

Absent a biological connection to the child, a person can still be legally recognized as a parent in five scenarios:

  • The child was born while the two parties were married to each other;
  • The spouses were married at the time of the child's birth, but the marriage was later invalidated;
  • The child is conceived during the marriage and born within 300 days after the divorce;
  • The spouses were married after the child’s birth, and the non-biological spouse agrees to be listed as a parent on the birth certificate; or
  • A partner or spouse legally adopts the child.

All of these methods apply to same-sex and heterosexual couples, though it may be for different reasons. For heterosexual marriages, a husband is presumed to be the biological father of a child if the child was conceived during the marriage but born after divorce. For same-sex marriages, the fact that conception occurred during the marriage implies that both parties agreed on becoming parents, though the non-biological parent may need a contract stating this.

Adopted Children

When neither parent has a biological relation to the child, the adoptive parents will start with an equal right to the allocation of parental responsibilities. The court will divide parenting time and decision-making powers based on the best interest of the child, including which parent:

  • Has been the primary caretaker;
  • Is better capable of spending time with and supporting the child;
  • Can provide a better living environment; and
  • Shows greater responsibility as a parent.

Your Parental Rights

Your status as a non-biological parent does not change the fact that you have been a parent to your child since his or her birth. A Kane County family law attorney at Geneva Family Lawyers can establish your rights as a parent. Schedule a free consultation by calling 331-588-6611.

Source:

https://www.illinoislegalaid.org/legal-information/child-custody-gay-marriage

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