Attorney Irwin M. Pollack and the attorneys from The Massachusetts Family Law Group advise gay and lesbian clients about the rights and obligations of same-sex parents, including child custody and child support where a significant parental bond has been formed.

For specific advice about your situation, whether you’re interested in adopting a partner’s child or need help with a child custody issue where your relationship is breaking up, contact us. 

Children from Prior Relationships. There is no legal parental relationship presumed between a gay or lesbian registered domestic partner and the other partner’s child from a previous marriage or relationship. If the child’s other parent is living and unwilling to waive his or her parental rights, stepparent adoption is not an option for the partner.  

A court typically begins its assessment with an examination of the status quo. It looks at the way the parties have been operating. If both parents have been equally involved in the raising of the children, playing an active role in their lives, then there is probably a good chance that the situation is an appropriate one for joint physical custody.

Providing our clients legal assistance in Hampden, Hampton, Franklin and Berkshire counties, MFLG family lawyers are zealous advocates and provide compassionate same-sex legal representation in Springfield, Northampton, Greenfield and Pittsfield.  Contact us for a no-obligation consultation, or call (800) 910-DIVORCE.