TRUSTED LGBTQ+ ATTORNEY SERVING FAMILIES ACROSS NORTH CAROLINA
At Greensboro Family Law, we understand that divorce is never easy—especially when it involves the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and families. As a dedicated LGBTQ+ divorce lawyer in North Carolina, our team is committed to providing compassionate, strategic, and inclusive legal representation. We help clients navigate the complexities of divorce while protecting their families, financial stability, and future.
ABOUT ATTORNEY REBECCA PERRY
Rebecca Perry is a Board Certified Family Law Specialist with more than 30 years of experience representing individuals and families throughout Greensboro and beyond. Known for her finance-informed approach to complex property division, spousal support, and custody disputes, Rebecca is a trusted advocate for clients navigating separation and divorce.
In addition to handling divorce, separation, alimony, and custody, Rebecca has extensive experience in assisted reproductive technology and adoption. As a Fellow of the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys, she provides inclusive legal guidance for LGBTQ+ families growing through surrogacy, embryo donation, egg donation, and sperm donation. Her work is grounded in compassion, clarity, and deep expertise—making her one of the most respected LGBTQ+ divorce attorneys in North Carolina.
HOW DOES AN LGBTQ+ DIVORCE DIFFER IN NORTH CAROLINA?
While LGBTQ+ couples are legally entitled to the same protections and processes as heterosexual couples, the reality is that these cases often involve additional legal layers. Until the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decisions in United States v. Windsor (2013) and Obergefell v. Hodges (2015), same-sex marriages were not federally recognized. As a result, many LGBTQ+ couples lived in domestic partnerships or long-term cohabitation before being allowed to marry.
This history creates unique challenges when a marriage ends. For example, courts may only recognize the years of legal marriage rather than the full length of the relationship, which can impact property division, alimony, and retirement benefits. A skilled LGBTQ+ divorce lawyer ensures these nuances are addressed so that your rights are fully protected.
CHILD CUSTODY AND PARENTAL RIGHTS
Child custody is often the most emotionally charged aspect of any divorce, and in LGBTQ+ family law cases, it can be especially complex. Key considerations include:
- Biological vs. Non-Biological Parents: In some cases, courts may give preference to biological parents, leaving non-biological parents at risk of losing custody or visitation rights.
- Second-Parent or Step-Parent Adoption: If one partner has legally adopted the child, both parents share equal rights, which can prevent disputes during divorce.
- Best Interests of the Child: North Carolina courts prioritize the child’s well-being, but without legal adoption, a non-biological parent may face significant legal hurdles.
Our team works to secure custody and visitation rights that reflect the true family structure, protecting the relationships that matter most.
SPOUSAL SUPPORT AND ALIMONY
In North Carolina, spousal support is available to same-sex spouses just as it is to heterosexual couples. However, LGBTQ+ divorces may involve additional considerations, such as:
- Cohabitation prior to marriage that is not legally recognized.
- One partner leaving the workforce to care for children.
- Disparities in income, retirement benefits, or future earning potential.
Rebecca Perry leverages her financial expertise to present a strong case for fair and equitable alimony, ensuring that the dependent spouse’s contributions are recognized.
PROPERTY DIVISION IN LGBTQ+ DIVORCES
North Carolina follows the principle of equitable distribution, which means marital property is divided fairly—but not always equally. For LGBTQ+ couples, this process can be complicated when:
- Property was acquired during years of cohabitation before marriage was legally recognized.
- Retirement accounts, pensions, or stock options are tied to the length of legal marriage rather than the full relationship.
- One spouse made significant financial or career sacrifices to support the other.
An experienced LGBTQ+ divorce attorney will advocate to ensure that all relevant factors are considered, protecting your financial future.
OVERCOMING DISCRIMINATION AND SOCIAL PRESSURES
Beyond the legal complexities, LGBTQ+ individuals may also face unique stressors such as workplace discrimination or family rejection. These external pressures can place additional strain on marriages and complicate the divorce process. At Greensboro Family Law, we provide not only legal advocacy but also compassionate support, helping clients feel understood and respected at every stage of the process.
SERVICE AREA COVERAGE IN NORTH CAROLINA
Greensboro Family Law proudly serves clients across Greensboro, North Carolina for divorce, separation, custody, alimony, and property division matters. For assisted reproductive technology—including surrogacy, embryo donation, and related services—we provide representation on a statewide basis, helping LGBTQ+ families throughout North Carolina navigate these deeply personal legal matters with care and confidence.
CHOOSE GREENSBORO FAMILY LAW FOR LGBTQ+ DIVORCE SUPPORT
Divorce is one of life’s most difficult transitions, and when it involves unique LGBTQ+ legal issues, the right representation makes all the difference. At Greensboro Family Law, we are committed to protecting your rights, honoring your family, and ensuring your voice is heard in the legal process.
If you are seeking an experienced, inclusive, and compassionate LGBTQ+ divorce lawyer in North Carolina, we encourage you to contact us today. Let us help you move forward with strength, clarity, and peace of mind.
FAQS
While the divorce process is legally the same, LGBTQ+ divorces often involve unique considerations such as years of cohabitation before marriage was legally recognized, second-parent adoptions, and protecting parental rights for non-biological parents. An experienced LGBTQ+ divorce lawyer ensures these factors are addressed fairly.
Yes, but it can be complex. If the non-biological parent legally adopted the child, they have the same rights as the biological parent. Without adoption, custody and visitation may be harder to secure, making legal representation essential.
Your marriage is legally valid nationwide, but the timing may affect issues like property division or spousal support. An LGBTQ+ divorce lawyer can help you understand how your marriage history impacts your divorce in North Carolina.
No. North Carolina allows for no-fault divorces based on separation for one year. While fault-based grounds exist, they are rarely used except in cases where they may affect alimony or other specific outcomes.
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At Greensboro Family Law, we focus on Family Law and we are here to listen to you and help you navigate the legal system.
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Greensboro Family Law is committed to answering your questions about Family Law issues in North Carolina. We offer an initial consultation and we’ll gladly discuss your case with you at your convenience. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Office Location
Greensboro Family Law 111 W. Lewis Street Greensboro, NC 27401 336-230-7359