Are you the attorney who has an LGBTQ case? Divorce? Child Custody? Child Support Review? Modification? Enforcement? Some attorneys believe LGBTQ cases are just like any other family law case. I will agree that in certain circumstances these cases can be the same, but often times, they are very different. Often times on party is trying to eliminate the other from standing in a child custody case or one party is asserting a common law marriage prior to the Obergefell decision.
For example, when one party wants to challenge the standing of the other party in a child custody or divorce with children matter. Knowing the current case law and how the Judges in your county will interpret that case law is crucial to mediation. I have represented LGBTQ clients in Montgomery, Harris and Fort Bend counties and am quite familiar with which Judges will rule which way in those counties. I also keep in contact with attorneys who have also represented LGBTQ clients in those counties as well as other counties throughout Texas. Having this knowledge is crucial when attempting to mediate a case for a LGBTQ couple.
Equally crucial is understanding the code and the various creative measures used in LGBTQ litigation. When I represent LGBTQ clients in their cases I specifically seek mediators who are up to date on current case law and knowledgable on the creative pleadings used. I do this because it is the ONLY way to get some cases settled. Without that knowledge the parties would just end up in an unnecessary trial because the parties were not fully aware of their risks when they were in mediation.
I strive to stay on top of current case law and keep up with how Judges are ruling in LGBTQ cases in order to help serve as mediator for any LGBTQ cases you may have.