LGBTQ+ Family Lawyer in Maryland

At the Law Office of Shelly M. Ingram, we proudly serve clients of all family configurations. LGBTQ+ individuals and couples face the same family law challenges as anyone else — divorce, custody, support, and more — and in some cases, they face additional legal complexities that require an attorney with specific knowledge and sensitivity.

Our attorneys represent LGBTQ+ clients throughout Howard County and the surrounding Maryland counties in all types of family law matters. We are committed to providing the same high-quality, compassionate representation to every family we serve.

LGBTQ+ Divorce in Maryland

Since the Supreme Court's decision in Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015, same-sex couples have had the right to marry and the right to divorce in all 50 states. Maryland fully recognizes same-sex marriages and applies the same divorce laws to all married couples, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.

That said, LGBTQ+ divorces can present unique legal challenges, particularly in longer-term relationships or when the parties were in a domestic partnership or civil union before same-sex marriage became available in Maryland. Issues that may require special attention include:

  • Division of assets acquired during a long-term relationship that predates the legal marriage
  • Recognition of prior domestic partnerships or civil unions from other states
  • Parental rights for non-biological or non-adoptive parents
  • Equitable division of property in marriages of varying legal lengths

Child Custody and Parental Rights

Custody and parental rights can be particularly complex for LGBTQ+ families. If both parents are the legal parents of a child — whether through biological parentage, adoption, or a court order — Maryland treats them equally under the law. However, if one parent does not have a legal parental relationship with the child, that parent's rights may not be automatically protected in a separation or divorce.

Common situations that require careful legal attention include:

  • Families formed through assisted reproduction, where one parent may not have a biological connection to the child
  • Step-parent adoption situations where a second parent has not yet formally adopted the child
  • Families where parentage was established in another state and may need to be recognized in Maryland

If you are concerned about your parental rights, it is important to consult with an attorney as early as possible. Our LGBTQ+ family lawyer team can help you understand your legal standing and take steps to protect your relationship with your child.

Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements

For LGBTQ+ couples entering marriage after years in a domestic partnership or long-term relationship, a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement can be an important planning tool. These agreements can clarify how assets accumulated before and during the marriage will be treated, and they can provide important protections for both partners. Our attorneys have experience drafting prenuptial and postnuptial agreements for couples at all stages of their relationship.

Our Commitment to All Families

Every family deserves skilled, compassionate legal representation. We take pride in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all of our clients. If you have questions about your rights under Maryland family law, we are here to help.

To schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced Maryland LGBTQ+ family lawyer, call us at (301) 658-7354 or contact us online. Our office is conveniently located in the Maple Lawn business district of Fulton, Maryland. We look forward to working with you.