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Montgomery County Same-Sex Family Law Attorney

Do You Need a Montgomery County Same-Sex Family Law Attorney?

Even with federal marriage equality, same-sex couples may still face unique legal challenges when it comes to divorce, child custody, property division, and more. If you're part of a same-sex relationship or family navigating family law issues, working with a compassionate and experienced attorney is essential.

At the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, P.C., we provide personalized legal representation to individuals and families throughout Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. If you are part of a same-sex couple or LGBTQ+ family in Pennsylvania, there are many situations where a dedicated family law attorney can protect your rights and help you reach a fair outcome.

You may need a family law attorney if:

You are dissolving a marriage or long-term partnership
You share children and are unsure how custody or parenting time will be decided
You or your partner adopted a child and now need to resolve legal parentage
You need help with a cohabitation agreement or prenuptial/postnuptial agreement
You are experiencing a dispute related to support, visitation, or shared property

Why Choose Us Over Other Family Law Lawyers in Montgomery County

Having a family law attorney who understands the specific legal concerns of LGBTQ+ couples ensures your voice is heard and your rights are upheld throughout the legal process. Here’s why Sheryl R. Rentz has earned the respect and trust of so many clients:

Over 30 years of experience in Pennsylvania family law
Sheryl R. Rentz is a respected family law attorney known for her strategic thinking and empathetic counsel
Rated Superb on Avvo
Recognized in Suburban Life Magazine as a Top Attorney
Serves as Secretary and Co-Chair of the Family Law Section of the Montgomery Bar Association
Known for discretion, professionalism, and tenacity in and out of the courtroom
Our firm is focused exclusively on family law issues

Protect Your Family and Your Future

Call (610) 645-0100 today to speak with a Montgomery County attorney who understands the unique challenges LGBTQ+ families face.

Reasons to See an Attorney Right Away

Family law matters can become more complicated the longer they go unresolved. For same-sex couples, waiting too long to involve an attorney may mean risking your parental rights, losing access to shared assets, or failing to properly protect yourself during a divorce.

Key reasons to speak with a lawyer immediately include:

Preserving parental rights in child custody or adoption disputes
Protecting assets that may be difficult to divide without legal clarity
Establishing legal agreements like parenting plans or cohabitation contracts
Avoiding emotionally costly mistakes made without legal advice
Starting the legal process early, which often improves your outcomes and saves time

Early legal support helps ensure you’re making informed decisions and protecting yourself and your family from avoidable complications.

How an Attorney Can Help

At the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, P.C., we take a proactive, respectful approach that puts your goals and rights at the forefront. Whether negotiating out of court or advocating in front of a judge, Sheryl R. Rentz brings decades of insight and experience to every case.

We can assist you with the following issues:

Divorce and legal separation
Division of marital or jointly held property
Spousal support (alimony)
Child custody and parenting time disputes
Second-parent and step-parent adoption
Legal parentage issues
Domestic partnership and cohabitation agreements

Same-Sex Couple Family Law Issues in Pennsylvania

Although marriage equality is now recognized in all 50 states, same-sex couples in Pennsylvania may still encounter legal gray areas, especially when ending a relationship or navigating child custody. Legal protections may depend on when the marriage or partnership was established and how parental or financial responsibilities were shared.

Some common issues that arise for same-sex couples include:

One partner may not be the legal parent of the child, even if they share parenting responsibilities
Marriages or partnerships that began before marriage equality may lack legal documentation
Property acquired before marriage may create disputes over what is considered marital property
Non-married partners may lack legal standing in family law disputes unless agreements are in place

A knowledgeable attorney can help untangle these complex legal situations and work toward a fair, lasting solution.

What Are the Legal Rights for Same-Sex Couples?

Same-sex married couples in Pennsylvania have the same legal rights as opposite-sex married couples. These rights include:

The ability to file for divorce and request equitable distribution of property
The right to seek spousal support or alimony
Parental rights when both partners are legal parents of a child
The right to create enforceable parenting plans and custody agreements
Eligibility for second-parent or step-parent adoption

However, legal rights can become unclear when:

One partner is not legally recognized as the parent
The relationship was not formalized through marriage
The couple lives in different states with varying family law precedents

Even within Pennsylvania, family court judges may interpret the law differently. That makes working with an experienced same-sex family law attorney all the more important.

Need Help with Same-Sex Family Law in PA?

Sheryl R. Rentz puts your family first. Call (610) 645-0100 today.

Resolving Complex Same-Sex Family Law Issues in Pennsylvania

Many legal issues faced by same-sex couples are legally and emotionally complex. For example, if only one parent legally adopted a child, the other may have no custody rights despite years of shared parenting. Similarly, couples who never married but bought property or raised children together may not have clear legal protections.

We help clients resolve a wide range of complex issues, such as:

Establishing legal parentage through second-parent adoption or court orders
Protecting non-biological parents' rights during custody disputes
Dividing property fairly when only one partner holds title or ownership
Enforcing verbal or informal agreements about support or co-parenting

We understand how high the stakes can be. Our goal is to provide clear legal advice and strategic representation that leads to real, lasting solutions.

How Is Child Custody Decided in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, child custody is determined based on the best interests of the child. This standard applies to all families, regardless of the parents' gender or sexual orientation. However, LGBTQ+ parents may face additional hurdles if their legal parentage is not well-established.

Some important considerations include:

Legal Parentage: Courts give custody rights to legal parents. If one parent is not legally recognized (via birth certificate, adoption, or court order), they may not have standing to seek custody.
Best Interests of the Child: Judges consider factors such as the child’s relationship with each parent, emotional and physical needs, and the stability of each household.
Custody Agreements: If both parents are legal guardians, they can enter into a custody agreement outlining shared responsibilities and parenting time.
Non-Legal Parents: Courts may allow non-legal parents to seek visitation in limited circumstances, but outcomes vary case-by-case.

If you are an LGBTQ+ parent concerned about custody, it is essential to consult with an attorney as early as possible to protect your relationship with your child.

Speak With a Trusted Same-Sex Family Law Attorney in Montgomery County

At the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, P.C., we take the time to understand your situation and tailor our legal strategies to fit your goals. Whether you’re starting a family, ending a marriage, or facing a custody dispute, we are here to offer steady guidance and skilled advocacy.

With more than three decades of experience serving Montgomery County clients, Sheryl R. Rentz is proud to offer knowledgeable, inclusive family law representation for same-sex couples and LGBTQ+ families.

Call (610) 645-0100 to learn more today.

What Clients Are Saying About Us

There for me whenever I needed her -Rita Sweisford (5-Star Google Review)

She is very helpful and good at what she does. She was my lawyer for the last 2 years and she was there for me whenever I needed her in a professional manner.

I highly recommend Sheryl Rentz -Claudia (5-Star Google Review)

Sheryl represented me in a compassionate and professional manner. She was responsive and made herself available to me via phone and email—at times, outside of regular business hours. My divorce was complicated and, at times, contentious. Sheryl's high standards, attention to detail, and courtroom presence coupled with her adherence to professional and personal ethics were important contributors to the resolution of many issues. I highly recommend Sheryl Rentz.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the terms of our custody agreement or child support?

You can change your custody arrangement or child support agreement if your situation has changed. For example, if you fear for the safety of your child, you can take action to protect your child from your ex. If your financial situation has changed drastically, you may be able to change the terms of your alimony or child support payments.

Do same-sex couples have the same legal rights as opposite-sex couples in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Since marriage equality was established, same-sex married couples in Pennsylvania have the same legal rights as opposite-sex couples in matters like divorce, property division, custody, and support. However, unique challenges may still arise, particularly in cases involving non-married couples or parental rights.

Can both partners in a same-sex relationship have legal parental rights?

Yes. If both partners are legal parents through adoption, surrogacy, or birth certificates. If only one partner has legal parent status, the other may need to pursue second-parent adoption or court recognition to secure parental rights.

What if my same-sex partner and I never married but shared children or property?

Non-married couples do not automatically have the same legal protections as married couples. If you share children or property, it's important to speak with a family law attorney about your rights and how to legally protect your interests.

How is child custody decided for same-sex couples?

Custody decisions are based on the best interests of the child, regardless of the parents’ gender or sexual orientation. However, legal parentage plays a major role. An attorney can help establish or defend your parental rights.

Do I need a lawyer for a same-sex divorce in Montgomery County?

Divorce can involve complex issues such as spousal support, property division, and custody. A lawyer with experience representing same-sex couples can ensure your rights are fully protected.

What is second-parent adoption and do I need it?

Second-parent adoption allows a non-biological parent to gain legal parental rights without terminating the other parent’s rights. It’s essential for same-sex couples raising children to ensure both parents are legally recognized.

Can we create a custody or support agreement without going to court?

Yes. Many same-sex couples resolve family law matters through negotiated agreements. A skilled attorney can help you draft a legally binding agreement that reflects your needs and can be enforced if necessary.

What happens if only one of us is listed on the child’s birth certificate?

Only the listed parent is presumed to have legal parental rights. The other partner should pursue legal action, such as second-parent adoption, to protect their relationship with the child in case of a separation or dispute.

How is property divided in a same-sex divorce?

Pennsylvania uses equitable distribution to divide marital property. An attorney can help you determine what property qualifies as marital and ensure a fair division based on the law and your contributions.

Meet Our Attorney

Sheryl R. Rentz

Sheryl R. Rentz is a respected family law attorney with over 30 years of experience serving individuals and families throughout Montgomery County and the surrounding communities. Since founding the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, P.C. in 1992, she has built a reputation for providing strategic, personalized legal counsel in matters of divorce, child custody, spousal support, and same-sex family law.

Before practicing law, Sheryl earned a degree in engineering and worked at AT&T Bell Laboratories. This gives her an analytical foundation that informs her precise, results-driven legal approach.

Clients choose Sheryl for her deep knowledge of Pennsylvania family law, her commitment to clear communication, and her unwavering focus on protecting their interests. Whether in negotiation or litigation, she brings empathy, integrity, and decades of experience to every case she handles.

Additional Information

We know your problems are unique & special.
Call us, we will listen.
(610) 645-0100

Meet Attorney
Sheryl Rentz

Meet Sheryl Rentz