LGBTQ+
Experienced Legal Guidance for LGBTQ+ Individuals and Families
At Sasso Guerrero & Henderlite, we are committed to providing knowledgeable, compassionate legal services to LGBTQ+ individuals and families in Fernandina Beach and throughout Nassau County.
While landmark decisions such as Obergefell v. Hodges established marriage equality nationwide, LGBTQ+ individuals still face unique legal considerations—particularly in family law matters involving parentage, adoption, and assisted reproduction.
Our firm helps clients navigate these complexities with clarity, ensuring their rights, relationships, and families are fully protected under Florida law.
What Is LGBTQ+ Family Law?
LGBTQ+ family law focuses on legal issues that uniquely impact LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. Although many rights are now equal under the law, additional legal steps are often necessary to secure and protect those rights.
Key areas include:
- Marriage and same-sex divorce
- Adoption and second-parent adoption
- Parental rights and timesharing
- Assisted reproductive technology (ART)
- Surrogacy and donor agreements
- Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
Because Florida law does not always automatically recognize non-biological parents, proactive legal planning is essential.
Our LGBTQ+ Legal Services
At Sasso Guerrero & Henderlite, we provide comprehensive legal services tailored to the LGBTQ+ community.
Family Formation & Adoption
We assist clients with step-parent and second-parent adoptions, helping ensure both parents have full legal rights regardless of biological connection.
Assisted Reproduction & Surrogacy
We guide intended parents through ART-related legal matters, including surrogacy agreements and donor arrangements, ensuring compliance with Florida statutes.
Divorce & Relationship Matters
We represent clients in same-sex divorce proceedings, including equitable distribution, alimony, and parental responsibility issues.
Parental Rights & Timesharing
We help LGBTQ+ parents establish, protect, and enforce their parental rights, including custody and visitation arrangements.
Marital Agreements
We draft and review prenuptial and postnuptial agreements that clearly define financial rights and responsibilities.
LGBTQ+ Rights in Florida
Florida recognizes same-sex marriage and provides many of the same legal protections afforded to heterosexual couples. However, important distinctions remain—particularly in family law.
For example:
- A non-biological parent may need to adopt a child to secure full parental rights
- Surrogacy laws apply specifically to gestational arrangements and must meet statutory requirements
- Courts may rely heavily on legal documentation when determining parental rights
Because these issues can significantly impact your family, working with an experienced attorney is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions About LGBTQ+ Law
Do LGBTQ+ parents need to adopt their own child?
In many cases, yes. Even if both parents are listed on a birth certificate, adoption can provide stronger legal protection.
Is same-sex divorce handled differently in Florida?
The process is generally the same, but issues such as parentage and asset division may involve unique considerations.
Are surrogacy agreements enforceable in Florida?
Yes, but only if they comply with Florida statutory requirements.
Why is legal planning important even after marriage equality?
Marriage equality does not automatically resolve all legal issues—especially those involving parental rights and family formation.