Category: Same-Sex Couples in Texas

Divorce is a challenging and emotional process for any couple, but for queer couples, the hurdles can be even higher. The need for compassionate, understanding, and experienced divorce attorneys in the Houston area cannot be overstated. In this article, we will explore the importance of selecting an attorney who is not only familiar with family law but also dedicated to providing inclusive services for queer families. Attorney Dawn Renken, founder of The Renken Law Firm in Houston, stands out for her commitment to serving the diverse needs of the LGBTQ+ community in divorce cases. Understanding the Unique Challenges of Queer Divorce Queer couples face unique challenges when going through a divorce. Legal issues, such as property division, child custody, and spousal support, are already complex, but they become even more intricate in the context of queer relationships. One of the primary challenges is that the legal landscape for LGBTQ+ families has evolved rapidly over the years, with varying laws and regulations in different states. In Texas, where Attorney Dawn Renken practices, there have been significant advancements in LGBTQ+ rights, but navigating the legal intricacies still requires an attorney with expertise and experience in this specific area. Queer couples may encounter issues related to child custody, adoption, or the recognition of their marriage, all of which require a nuanced understanding of LGBTQ+ family dynamics. Attorney Dawn Renken: A Beacon of Inclusivity Attorney Dawn Renken has earned recognition for her exceptional work with queer families, providing a comprehensive range of family law services, including divorce. Her dedication to serving the LGBTQ+ community stems from a deep understanding of the unique challenges they face. In-Depth Knowledge: Attorney Renken possesses an in-depth understanding of LGBTQ+ family law issues. Her expertise allows her to navigate complex legal terrain efficiently, helping queer couples achieve fair and

The results are in: OutSmart Magazine Votes Renken Law Firm One of the Best in Houston when it comes to Family Attorneys in the recently concluded 2022 Gayest & Greatest Readers’ Choice Awards! Award winning same sex divorce attorney, Dawn Renken works with queer couples and individuals to help them tackle a wide range of family law matters. This includes LGBTQ divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, property division, adoption, and more. If you are looking for a family law attorney that is an ally to the queer community, look no farther than Attorney Renken. Reasons to Hire a Family Law Attorney Most family lawyers represent clients in divorce proceedings and other matters related to divorce. But family law is a relatively broad practice area, including such issues as foster care and reproductive rights. Since family law matters hit so close to home, having a trusted legal professional by your side can help you ensure your loved ones are properly represented and protected during any legal process. The most common reasons to hire a family law attorney include: Divorce: Each partner hires their own attorney, who will help devise a settlement plan in order to avoid a trial. Divorce attorneys typically are skilled at dividing marital property, calculating spousal support, and proposing a plan for child custody, visitation, and support (if applicable). Child Custody / Child Support: Court orders and settlement agreements involving both custody and support usually are included in the larger divorce case, but may be revisited as conditions change. For instance, child support may be altered after the non-custodial parent’s financial situation changes. Paternity: In most cases, paternity cases are filed by the mother in an effort to secure child support payments from an absent father. But sometimes biological fathers file for paternity in order to

The results are in: OutSmart Magazine Votes Renken Law Firm One of the Best in Houston when it comes to Family Attorneys in the recently concluded 2022 Gayest & Greatest Readers’ Choice Awards! Who Is OutSmart? Established in 1994, OutSmart is an award-winning monthly publication that has delivered local and national news to Houston’s LGBTQ audience for over 25 years. Published in print and online, we reach 200,000+ readers each month and have a loyal fan base spanning from Houston to Los Angeles. The magazine even has an international following in Canada, Mexico, The United Kingdom, Australia, and various other locations across the globe. OutSmart has proudly received recognition on both local and national levels. The magazine was voted “Nation’s Best Local Magazine” by the Vice Versa Gay Press Awards and has been named “Best Local Publication in Houston” by the Houston Press for four consecutive years (2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009). Attorney Dawn Renken has been an ally to the LQTBQ+ community throughout her entire career. She knows how to navigate same-sex divorce and family legal matters. Listed below is some insight into the division of assets in same sex divorce cases: The Duration of the Relationship Judgment In many same-sex divorce cases, the judge will need to consider all factors available and determine his or her own judgment on how long the marriage truly is when the two spouses are together in all ways that make a marriage before the federal change in 2015. With the legal way open for same-sex couples to receive a marriage license throughout the country, there are additional problems that arise when the two spouses want to get a divorce. The duration of the marriage will affect what assets and debts are part of the relationship and at what point they are no

Divorce Mediation in Texas “Family mediation” means the mediation of disputes in actions for divorce, annulment, establishment of paternity, child custody or visitation, or child or spousal support. Mediation programs can be very beneficial to people who are divorcing as well as to those who have long been divorced but who find themselves in a dispute in their post-divorce relationship. Not only can it save money but it promotes positive dispute resolution rather than adversarial procedures. That being so, it is well worth investigating by any couple facing divorce, a child custody fight, a visitation dispute or other interpersonal conflict. Mediation is a process that may help you resolve your case so you can have an uncontested divorce. Mediation is particularly useful in situations involving children, since it is in the interests of the children that their parents “get along” even if they will no longer live together as husband and wife. In the State of Texas, all cases that involve contested custody or visitation matters are referred to mandatory mediation, provided the parties are represented by an attorney and there is no allegation of domestic abuse. Mediation attempts to change disputes from “win-lose” to “win-win.” Mediation is a non-adversarial process of helping people come to agreement on issues like parenting arrangements, support of children and spouses and division of real and personal property. Mediation occurs when a neutral third-party, who has training in dispute resolution, assists you and your spouse and helps you resolve the issues that are causing conflict and to make cooperative, informed decisions. How does mediation work? As one mediator described the process, “Mediation is neither therapy, nor the law””it’s an educational process.” Usually, the couple attends an orientation session in which the mediator thoroughly explains the process of mediation such as what the couple should

OutSmart Magazine recently noticed Dawn Renken as a finalist when ranking the best female attorneys in Houston in their reader’s choice awards for 2020. According to their website: OutSmart is an award-winning monthly publication that has delivered local and national news to Houston’s LGBTQ audience for over 25 years. Published in print and online, we reach 200,000+ readers each month and have a loyal fan base spanning from Houston to Los Angeles. The magazine even has an international following in Canada, Mexico, The United Kingdom, Australia, and various other locations across the globe. In response to this recognition, Dawn Renken said, “I am so humbled by this honor, I support the LGTBQ community and proudly advocate for their rights.” Attorney Renken recognizes the difficulty that can come with same-sex divorce cases, especially when the divorcing parties are unable to find attorneys that understand their specific perspective and needs. She fights for justice in family legal matters to help her clients reach resolution without being held back by barriers in their community. Whether you are looking for a same-sex divorce, have a custody issue in a same-sex relationship, or are in need of other family legal advice, Dawn Renken is here for you. Make sure you are working with an attorney that advocates for your rights. Since 2015, same-sex couples have been granted the right to marry and divorce as they please. While this is a huge step in the fight for equality in the United States, it can still be difficult for same-sex married couples to find experienced legal professionals to help them navigate their divorce. At Renken Law Firm, we have experience working with same-sex couples and do everything we can to ensure the divorce is being handled with the same level of dedication and attention as any other.

Family law cases for same-sex couples changed in the summer of 2015 when the United States Supreme Court legalized marriage for same-sex couples across the nation. While this is a relatively new ruling, the attorneys at Renken Law Firm in Houston have been helping same-sex coupled families and members of the LGBTQ+ community navigate legal matters through domestic partner agreements long before. For the most experienced same-sex couple custody attorney in Houston, contact us today.  With same-sex marriage legalized in all 50 states, couples with children now will be faced with the same legal obstacles as any other divorcing couple. For same-sex married couples with children, this means having to reach agreements for everything from child custody, visitation rights, child support, and more. The dedicated attorneys at Renken Law Firm have always provided comprehensive legal counsel to members of the LGBTQ+ community in order to address their family law needs. Now, with the push for marriage equality, our team will also be able to provide representation in same-sex divorce cases. How Is Custody Different in Same-Sex Divorce Cases? Unfortunately in the state of Texas, being legally married does not automatically mean the courts will recognize a non-biological parent as the presumptive parent of any children born throughout the marriage. A non-biological parent must legally adopt any children in the marriage in order to be recognized as their parent and given any parental rights after a divorce. If you are interested in learning more about how we can help you navigate your divorce case and tackle child custody issues, contact our team by filling out our case evaluation form today. At Renken Law Firm in Houston, our team provides legal counsel to people of all gender identities. When it comes to divorce cases, we have experience working with both opposite-sex couples

In June of 2015, the United States Supreme Court granted it legal for same-sex couples to marry in all fifty states. However, in addition to granting this long-awaited civil-right to members of the LGBTQ+ community, it also was the start of many new family law issues, including those relating to divorce and child custody.  A common misconception many same-sex couples face is that the false belief that being legally married will recognize a non-biological parent as the presumptive parent of any children born throughout the marriage. The laws that govern these decisions are made on a state-level. In the state of Texas, a non-biological parent must legally adopt the children in order to be recognized as their parent and given any parental rights.  Our LGBTQ+ family law attorneys are experienced in handling same-sex divorce cases. We will work closely with you so that you do not have to navigate the legal process alone, or with an attorney that does not understand the specific needs of a same-sex divorce case. It is our mission to provide a safe and comfortable environment in order to help your family access the same legal rights and protections given to opposite-sex married couples.  Some of the services offered by our LGBTQ+ family law attorneys in Houston include: Same-Sex Divorce Same-Sex Premarital Agreement Same-Sex Postmarital Agreement Same-Sex Divorce Mediation Same-Sex Protective Orders Same-Sex Child Support Same-Sex Child Custody & Visitation Same-Sex Second-Parent Adoption Our team of LGBTQ+ family law attorneys fights to protect families and their property while putting a strong focus on protecting the best interest of any children in the marriage. If you are currently looking to file a same-sex divorce or are going through one, contact Renken Law Firm in Houston. We will help you navigate this difficult time and work closely to

Since 2015, same-sex couples have been given the same right as opposite-sex couples to marry and divorce as they please. While this is a huge step in the fight for equality in our country, it can still be difficult for same-sex married couples to find experienced legal professionals to help them navigate their divorce. At Renken Law Firm, we have experience working with same-sex couples and do everything we can to ensure the divorce is being handled with the same level of dedication and attention as any other. We understand in some same-sex divorce cases, couples will have specific needs that may not be present with opposite-sex marriages. Whether you are looking for a divorce attorney to represent you solely, or are looking for an LGBTQ+ divorce mediator in Houston, the team at Renken Law Firm can help you. Contact us today to learn more about your options for divorce and to begin the process of divorce.  Amicable Divorce Agreements Through Mediation The point of divorce mediation is to provide a simpler method of divorce for couples who are able to sit down and work through the terms of their divorce. If the couple is unable to participate in civilized dialogue about important issues, such as property division, child custody, debt allocation, and more, mediation is not the right option. Our team of divorce professionals can help couples to determine what they need from their divorce and how to move forward with the next chapter of their family’s life. If you and your spouse are searching for an alternative divorce method that allows you both to work through the divorce process together, Renken Law Firm in Houston can help. Our staff is dedicated to helping families come to a divorce agreement that suits the needs of all parties in a

In 2015, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled in favor of same-sex marriage, marking a huge stride in our country’s fight for civil equalities. With all types of marriage, there is always the risk of divorce. However, it can be difficult for same-sex couples to find attorneys and legal professionals who are experienced in handling same-sex divorce cases. At Renken Law Firm in Houston, we have experience handling many different types of divorce cases, from mediating same-sex divorces to going to court to represent one party of a same-sex marriage for a divorce. We understand every divorce case is unique and we believe in treating it as such. When it comes to handling your case our attorneys are prepared to help you in every way possible to reach an agreement that fits your specific needs.  Our team of legal professionals fights for families to help them protect themselves and their belongings while putting a strong focus on promoting the best interest of any children in the marriage. If you are currently looking to file a same-sex divorce or are going through one, contact Renken Law Firm in Houston. We will help you navigate this difficult time and work closely to ensure you are not missing out on any major factors that may lead to financial or family issues down the road. Schedule a consultation with our team today. LGBTQ+ Family Law in Houston While our country has recognized and legalized gay marriage on a national level, they still may hold multiple statuses. Therefore, it is important for same-sex divorcing couples to work with an attorney that has experience in same-sex divorce cases. At Renken Law Firm in Houston, we understand the legal ramifications that are present in Texas and work with couples to help them reach divorce agreements

If you are part of a same-sex marriage and looking for a divorce, working with an attorney that has experience in same-sex divorce cases can help make the process easier to navigate. At Renken Law Firm our Houston same-sex divorce attorneys are experienced when it comes to helping couples dissolve their marriage in any method they choose. This includes the following: Same-Sex Divorce Mediation: Divorce mediation is an excellent option for couples who wish to work together in order to reach an amicable divorce agreement. Mediation works best when both parties are able to communicate effectively and discuss important issues without getting upset. Mediation is generally more affordable than other methods of divorce and allows the divorcing couple to finalize the terms of their divorce on their own without a judge. The agreement will be made in the presence of a neutral third-party who acts as a mediator to help ensure the couple is not excluding any important matters from their divorce agreement.  Same-Sex Contested Divorce: Contested divorces are never easy, however, in the case of same-sex contested divorces matters can be made more complicated when you are working with an attorney that is not experienced in same=sex divorce cases. At Renken Law Firm in Houston, we understand the needs of our same-sex divorce clients and do everything in our power to protect their rights and property, so they are able to reach a divorce settlement that fits their long-term needs.  Same-Sex Uncontested Divorces: It is helpful to always work with an attorney in your divorce case, even if the divorce is uncontested. This is helpful because many times divorcing couples may forget to establish terms about all matters that are relevant to their divorce. Schedule your consultation with our attorneys today to learn more about how we can help