Growing your family can be complicated. Knowing the law can help.
Unfortunately, growing your family may take more time, more effort and more money as a hopeful LGBTQ+ parent. Ensuring your ducks are in a row is of the utmost importance. That starts with understanding legal implications and securing your parental rights. Here are some steps to help you get started.Love may make a family, but the legal side of the equation feels a whole lot less flowery. You want someone who can help you navigate the hurdles and answer your questions throughout the process.
If you have a biological link to your child but your partner does not, you’ll need to ensure their parental rights. Once baby is born, consider a second parent adoption for the non-biological parent. Don’t skip this step. It will ensure both parents have the right to make medical decisions or add the child to health insurance policies. This will also end a known donor’s parenting rights without requiring a separate donor agreement.
It’s important to know that a birth certificate does not guarantee legal rights, even if both parents’ names are on the document. Legal adoption is the only way to guarantee parental rights.Where you choose to raise your family is also an important consideration for many would-be LGBTQ+ parents. Some states have a less inclusive climate. “We are seeing renewed anti-LGBTQ+ behaviors and tactics,” warns Kahn, who’s also a parent herself.
All of this adds up to extra worry for LGBTQ+ parents. Of course, even if you live in a progressive area with pro-equality candidates and equality-centered laws on the books, there are issues of concern. “You still know that you are in a minority,” explains Kahn. “There’s an awareness that you might be parenting in a bit of a fishbowl at times. There’s worry of finding a preschool where the teachers aren’t going to say something that doesn’t feel welcoming.
Don’t be daunted by the challenges. You can have the family you dream of. “You can bring children into the world and raise children,” assures Kahn. “You do not have to give up on that vision. And, you know, our kids are doing great. Our kids are thriving, and our families are amazing and awesome.”
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