LGBTQ+

LGBTQ+ Lawyers in Columbia, Maryland

FACTS 

Since January 1, 2013, same-sex couples can marry in Maryland; Maryland also recognizes same-sex marriages performed in other states.

LAW

With changes in the law, LGBTQ+ individuals and families in Maryland still face unique legal issues.

Given that laws on surrogacy, parental rights, marriage, and divorce all vary from state to state, you and your family may need additional legal help.

ASSISTANCE

  • Did you get married in one state and now live in Maryland?
  • Are you thinking about having children and want to ensure that you and your partner both have parental rights?
  • Do you and your partner want to protect certain legal rights regardless of your marital status?

As the legal landscape for LGBTQ+ families continues to evolve, having an attorney who is knowledgeable about the best and most current ways to secure family rights is extremely important.

At FLAG, we engage in thoughtful planning, address potential custody issues, and ensure parentage rights while approaching these matters with concern for consistency and respect.

Some of the areas in which our attorneys can assist include:

Reproductive Issues

FLAG can assist you with planning for your growing family. We can help you:

  • obtain a second parent adoption
  • ensure that your child’s birth certificate will accurately reflect parentage
  • understand your rights surrounding surrogacy and gamete donors

Estate and Medical Care Planning

Without having a will, you and your loved ones may be legal strangers under Maryland’s estate laws.

Even if you are married, you and your spouse may wish for different arrangements than the default laws of intestacy (not having a will) provide.

Regardless of your marital status, having estate plans, powers of attorney, and advanced directives can help ensure that your loved ones have the rights that you want them to have. FLAG can assist you in creating these powerful documents.

Marriage and Divorce

Maryland recognizes same sex marriage for marriages performed both in Maryland and in other jurisdictions.

However, the patchwork of changes to marriage equality across the U.S. means that some civil unions are now legally recognized as marriages, while others are not.

Having an attorney who understands same-sex marriage law and your rights, both when entering a new marriage and when a relationship is dissolving, is imperative to ensuring that you get the same legal protections and rights as other couples in Maryland.

The attorneys at FLAG can assist you with:

Name and Gender Changes

At FLAG, our attorneys have extensive experience working with transgender individuals as they seek to affirm their identities through appropriate documentation.

FLAG attorneys can assist you with:

  • changing your name
  • updating your identity documents
  • changing your gender on your birth certificate

GOAL

FLAG believes in supporting all individuals with family-related legal issues. Whether your family consists of a single individual or many members, our attorneys understand how to assist clients in getting the appropriate legal protections for their families.

Although we often work with parents who are separating, one of the most rewarding areas of our practice is helping to protect families as they are newly forming.

Contact FLAG for assistance with any LGBTQ+ legal issues.

Click to read our Blog articles on LGBTQ+ Law. 

Our Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Have to Say
  • "Anna Lindner walked me through the roughest time in my life. She was patient, understanding, resourceful, responsive, and comforting while also being my strength and confidence. She was aggressive when she needed to be and fought for what I deserved."
    David
  • "Emily was fantastic to work with! She walked me through every step along the way and made sure I was comfortable with what was happening. She is patient, kind, and understanding but also fights for what her client deserves."
    Becky
  • "Ms. Laynor was extremely knowledgeable, personable, and thorough throughout the time we worked together."
    Kimberly
  • "Anna Lindner was very helpful through the entire process, professional and very responsive."
    Amanda
  • "Anne Kelly Laynor was extremely prepared and always in control of the situation. Most importantly for me though, she was a calming force during an extremely emotional time. I feel extremely lucky and even grateful to have had her by my side."
    Former Client
  • "Sarah has the unique ability to get right to the point and tell it ” like it is” while also being sensitive and considerate, which means that she isn’t wasting time and racking up needless billable hours."
    Janine
  • "Ms. Thomas was a pleasure to work with during my case. She was an excellent advocate for my son and won my case for him. He now has all the help he needs in school because of her determination."
    Toula

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