At Hernandez Family Law, we recognize the complexities of family law matters for LGBTQ+ families, including parents of LGBTQ+ youth who are facing divorce or separation. Parents of transgender, gender non-conforming, or gender expansive children may be worried about whether the court will recognize and support their child’s gender identity, or how the other parent might approach affirming or understanding their child’s unique needs when crafting a parenting plan.
We are here to provide compassionate, expert guidance to protect your child’s well-being and your parental rights.
Educating the Courts and Opposing Parties
Let’s be honest, it can be difficult to keep up with all the terminology for the LGBTQ+ community. Sometimes it’s a task just to remember which order the letters go in when I say “L-G-B-T-Q-PLUS” out loud. As a transgender nonbinary person who feels that way, I can only imagine the effort some parents are putting into understanding and supporting your child’s gender identity, and that is invaluable.
Unfortunately, the court systems can’t say the same. Not all family law attorneys and judges have made efforts to educate themselves about issues of gender identity or transgender children. This concern can be especially heightened when the other parent is not supportive of the child’s gender identity.
Our team of family law attorneys brings experience and specialized knowledge in handling custody cases involving transgender and gender expansive children. We take the time to understand your child’s situation, the dynamics within your family, and the best ways to advocate for your child’s best interests and safety.
Not only does your attorney need to be well-versed in family law, but they also need to understand the current best practices and research surrounding gender identity and the support of transgender youth. We will work with you to gather evidence that demonstrates how critical it is for your child to have a supportive, affirming home environment during both parents’ designated parenting time.
Prioritizing Your Child’s Mental and Emotional Health
Studies have shown that transgender youth experience significantly better mental health outcomes when they have support and affirmation from family members and caregivers.
At Hernandez Family Law, we are dedicated to prioritizing your child’s mental and emotional well-being by working closely with child psychologists, gender specialists, and other experts to ensure the court understands the critical importance of an affirming environment for your child.
Our goal is to protect your parental rights to support and care for your child in a way that aligns with their needs and identity, including advocating for the importance of using your child’s chosen name, pronouns, and other aspects of their identity that are key to their sense of self.
We will work to ensure that any current or future medical decisions, including gender-affirming care like hormone therapy, are protected and to advocate for you to have the authority to make decisions in your child’s best interest, and in harmony with the advice of your child’s pediatrician, medical team, and mental health professional.
Let us Stand Beside You
Our family law attorneys are familiar with the unique challenges surrounding issues of gender identity, including explaining affirming care to the court in a way that prioritizes your child’s health, safety, and stability.
You are already doing the work to understand and support your transgender child. Now let us do the legal work.
Thank you for advocating for your child’s emotional and psychological safety. Our team at Hernandez Family Law would be honored to be that safe place for you in the courtroom.
-Blake Holliday (they/them or he/him pronouns)