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Unmarried Partners Relationship Issues
With very few states in the country that recognize the legal validity of Unmarried Partners, and just a handful of states that permit civil unions, most unmarried couples cannot benefit from the legal rights and protections of marriage and civil-union laws. Adoption law restrictions and custody arrangements often present other unique legal challenges to consider in un-married families and relationships.
Despite these obstacles, there are many viable legal options available to protect yourself and your loved ones. Co-ownership and co-tenancy agreements, asset sharing agreements, parenting agreements, joint-custody orders, real property issues, wills, family trusts, medical directives, and power of attorneys are just a few illustrations of how any family or couple can protect themselves under current Virginia laws.
Ms. Owen has handled every one of these un-married relationship issues over the course of her career. She’s knowledgeable and up-to-date on the ever-changing legalities of un-married relationships in Maryland, Virginia and D.C., and keeps her finger on the pulse of the legislation and precedents that exist all over the country.
Since 1991 Ms. Owen has been obtaining relief and legal protections for groups forgotten and specifically exempted by the domestic laws of the time. Ms. Owen has been an advocate for Gay, Lesbian, and Straight un-married couples for over 30 years. Well before The Respect For Marriage Act was made into law, Ms. Owen assisted in a 2009 legal battle in which a Virginia court upheld an un-married couple's right to custody.
The Virginia Adoption Laws have improved but there is room for improvement. The legislature is constantly changing.
Custody for un-married couple upheld
The Virginia Court of Appeals upheld today the enforcement of a custody order from North Carolina in favor of a male homosexual couple. Both partners contributed sperm to artificially inseminate a Minnesota woman who agreed to be a surrogate mother.
The relationship between the mother and the partners deteriorated, and a North Carolina judge resolved a custody dispute by awarding the partners primary custody and the woman secondary custody.
After the partners moved to Virginia, the woman sought custody and contended that the order was at odds with the Virginia law and constitutional amendment that says the state will not recognize same-sex unions in any form.
The appellate court said the North Carolina court based the award on the role of the partners as parents to the child rather than on their relationship.
By Alan Cooper"
Click here to read the original article or download the original pdf here.
Call Ms. Owen to find out how you can protect and provide for those you love through recognized, legal channels.
