Same sex couples have gained many rights over the last century, but there are still some questions that need answering by the Supreme Court. A major case that has just been ruled on, V.L. v. E.L., has brought a much needed ruling to upholding Same Sex Adoption Rights. The case involved a sixteen year relationship ending between a same sex couple who had used the adoption laws of Georgia to adopt three children they conceived through assisted reproductive technology. When the relationship ended, things turned sour between the partners and E.L. began denying V.L. access to their children. The ex-partner took the case all the way to the Supreme Court, and the Supreme Court ruled that Alabama had to recognize the adoption completed in Georgia, and that V.L. would retain her adoptive status as a parent of the three children. This signals a major stride forward for adoption rights for same-sex couples whether they are married or not.
Do same sex couples have the same rights to Adoption as other people?
- In this circumstance, yes. Same Sex couples were found to have the same rights as adoptive parents in the case presented to the Supreme Court. In ruling, the Supreme Court has made it clear that parents who have successfully adopted children in any state in the United States, have the right to retain their legal adoptive status as a parent no matter the relation to their partner or ex partner, or the sexual affiliation of the couple.
Do same sex couples have to be married to Adopt?
- No. The laws in place to allow adoption is different state to state, however, many adoption processes allow for adoption to couples who are not married, nor in a civil union. These avenues are difficult to navigate but the results are the same as a married couple’s adoption. Love makes a family, and the court system agrees in regards to adoption. If you are interested in information regarding legal adoption in your state, contact a qualified Family Law Attorney for further information regarding adoption.
Are there different laws regarding same sex Adoption in different states?
- Yes. If you are concerned about adoption laws in your particular state, contact a qualified family Attorney like Mark E. Sawicki, P.A. Make sure to find a qualified family attorney in your state because the laws are different state to state.
Contact Our Adoption Attorney in Ft. Lauderdale Today!
The Supreme Court has upheld Adoption rights for same sex couples thanks to V.L. v E.L., but the road to equal rights for same sex couples is an ongoing struggle. The federal government and courts are finally recognizing same sex couples as equals in the eyes of the law. This is a huge step forward compared to where we were twenty years ago. As time passes, the government and courts will continue to adapt to include same sex rulings right next to traditional rulings. Stay up to date with same sex adoption laws by staying in touch with a professional attorney.