LGBTQ Family Law Safe and Protected, Powerfully Represented

Philadelphia LGBTQ Family Law Attorney

LGBTQ Family Lawyer in Philadelphia, PA Offering Inclusive Representation for Diverse Families Throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania

For several years, same-sex marriage has been legal across the United States, and same-sex spouses have enjoyed the same rights as opposite-sex couples. Yet issues of discrimination persist, and many LGBTQ couples face specific legal issues that may not arise as often—if at all—in opposite-sex marriages, or in opposite-sex relationships. Our firm is committed to representing individuals and families in a variety of legal matters, and a compassionate Philadelphia LGBTQ family law attorney at our firm can speak with you today about your case.

Find Out What Your Case is Worth

We invite you to reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team. Call (215) 610-3440 or contact us online to learn more.

They handled every aspect of my case with integrity and pride.
“Wonderful customer service. The team at van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin is the real deal. I would definitely recommend them.”

- Former Client
They make my concerns their concerns.
“Thank you for always picking up the phone. I could not have a better firm representing myself, family and my friends. If you want an attorney that gets the job done, Look no more!!! Contact Attorney van der Veen.”

- Leslie L.
Michael is superb! Great attorney, great team, great job.
“Outcome was better than expected. Forever thankful to Mike’s reliable firm. If you want great results they are your guys. Strongly recommend.”

- Ninel B.
The team is definitely a dream team straight outta Philadelphia Center City!
“I first want to thank this dream team they definitely was a pleasure to work with and I am glad I chose Van der Veen law firm to get the jobs”

- RB
You should not go anywhere else.
“This firm is the absolute best! Very knowledgeable, pleasant, and amazing!! I recommend this Law firm to anyone with an issue. can't speak highly enough for this firm and it's attorneys! It was truly a wonderful experience.”

- Bennie H.
Having been represented on different subjects Mike has provided the same outstanding results!
“This law firm has been nothing but the best for my company! Mr. van der Veen has always worked very hard and communicated well with each situation that he has represented me in. I would highly recommend this firm!”

- Sewall M. Jr.
Guided me through the process for a success.
“Very satisfied with the way they handled my case, answer all my question, provided me with needed information.”

- Frank A.
They take full control of your case allowing you to have peace of mind while they win.
“I have been a client of this firm for many years now, and all that I can say is these are the Top Lawyers in the City! My experience over the years have been excellent! Thank you van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin. Job very well done.”

- Quiana

Common Issues in LGBTQ Family Law Cases

Many LGBTQ family law cases involve the same issues as any other family situations. Yet some LGBTQ individuals and couples may have specific questions about matters like adoption and surrogacy, or civil union matters, which are not often as central in many opposite-sex family situations. Examples of common LGBTQ family law issues we handle include but are not limited to the following:

Same-sex divorce;
Converting a civil union to a marriage;
Dissolving a civil union;
Adoption;
Surrogacy agreements;
Prenuptial and post-nuptial agreements;
Child custody issues; and
Modifying existing court orders.

Adoption and Surrogacy in Philadelphia

Pennsylvania adoption and surrogacy laws can be complicated. While Pennsylvania generally has open laws when married couples want to adopt a child, same-sex couples can nonetheless face discrimination. Further, same-sex couples can have legal difficulties when it comes to a surrogacy arrangement in the event that they do not want to adopt.

Same-Sex Divorce Cases with Minor Children from the Marriage

When LGBTQ parents get divorced and have minor children from the marriage, they go through a child custody case and will share a child support obligation just as an opposite-sex couple would. Different states have various methods for determining and ordering child support. Many states, including Pennsylvania, now use what is known as an “income shares” model. With this model, courts look at the net incomes of both parents and combine them to determine what a total child support obligation would be if the parents were still living together in an intact household. In other words, based on the parents’ combined incomes, the court determines what the total child support obligation should be by turning to guidelines.

This model is different from a “percentage of income” model, which typically looks at only one of the parent’s incomes—usually the non-custodial parent—and then bases the child support obligation off that parent’s income alone. In nearly all child support models, the guidelines also take into account the number of children who need support.

While courts will follow the guidelines unless there is a reason to deviate, sometimes there are in fact reasons to deviate. If one parent is substantially responsible for additional expenses, or in situations in which there are other “unavoidable differences.” To be clear, LGBTQ divorce cases involving child support and custody are handled exactly as opposite-sex divorces where there are minor children.

Contact an LGBTQ Family Law Attorney in Philadelphia

When you need assistance with a family law matter pertaining to LGBTQ rights, one of the dedicated Philadelphia LGBTQ family law attorneys at our firm can assist you.

The Person Who Sees The Whole Picture Meet Michael T. van der Veen

From local business owners, to the President of the United States, we fight for everyone's best interest. As founder of the firm, Michael T. van der Veen effortlessly combines accessibility, experience, negotiation, collaboration, and compassion to achieve results. He is the rare trial attorney who excels in both civil litigation and criminal defense. Known for his unwavering commitment to serving as the voice of the victim and advocate for the accused, he has established his reputation by winning multimillion-dollar jury verdicts in State and Federal Courts, as well as winning major criminal trials across the country.

Frequently Asked Questions About LGBTQ Family Law in Philadelphia, PA

Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 215-610-3440 today!

LGBTQ families often encounter issues involving adoption, surrogacy, parental rights, and the legal recognition of relationships formed before marriage equality. While many laws now apply equally to all couples, discrimination and procedural hurdles can still arise, especially in cases involving assisted reproduction or older civil union arrangements.
Pennsylvania does not have a comprehensive surrogacy statute, but courts generally enforce gestational surrogacy agreements when properly drafted. LGBTQ parents may still need additional legal steps, such as second-parent adoption or confirmatory adoption, to ensure both parents’ rights are fully protected across state lines.
Yes. Couples who previously entered into civil unions or domestic partnerships in other states can often dissolve them through Pennsylvania courts. In some cases, these unions may also be converted to marriages, but this depends on the laws of the state where the civil union was formed. A lawyer can help determine the correct legal path.
No. Pennsylvania applies the exact same child custody and child support standards to LGBTQ parents as it does to opposite-sex parents. Decisions are based entirely on the best interests of the child, and financial support is calculated using the state's income-shares model. However, LGBTQ parents may need to address additional legal parentage issues depending on how the child joined the family.

in their own words

Clients share their experiences and results firsthand

"I love that I have Mike on my side, whenever I question what am I supposed to do? I used to call my dad and after my dad passed, even for things that aren’t always law related, I know I could still call Mike, and I love that about him. He’s just amazing, and I know that if I send somebody here that they’re going to be represented a hundred percent." -Jamie
"this law firm has afforded low income people of Philadelphia a relationship with an attorney that they can come and meet. To have a the intuition to give a damn about the little people, and then give them that same kind of respect and consideration is unmatched." -Melvin
"He represented me in multiple criminal cases, and I had a lengthy criminal record. He never judged me, and treated me like anybody else, he never looked at me different. He's a real good guy, professional, very honest. When I say I never went to another attorney...he's the best." -Tiffany
"He gives you the impression there’s a person you can count on, a person that you can rely on in terms of having some representation. He kept me informed, he kept me up to date with everything that was going on throughout the process. What doctor, what appointments, who I have to see…I was always very well informed." -Sam

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