Same-Sex Divorce Attorney Tampa
LGBTQ+ Divorce Lawyer Serving Tampa, Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties
LGBTQ+ couples in Florida have the same legal rights to marry — and to divorce — as any other couple. When a same-sex marriage ends, every issue that arises in any divorce applies: property division, alimony, child custody, time-sharing, and parenting plans. At Mindy Lasley, P.A., same-sex divorce attorney Mindy Lasley proudly represents LGBTQ+ individuals in divorce throughout Tampa, Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties.
Mindy understands the sensitive nature of these cases and the unique legal history behind them. Florida’s same-sex marriage rights were established on January 6, 2015 — and with those rights came equal access to divorce protections. Mindy handles these cases with the same thorough advocacy she brings to every family law matter, while being mindful of the specific challenges LGBTQ+ families sometimes face in the legal process.
Same-Sex Divorce Under Florida Law
Same-sex couples are treated the same as any other married couple under Florida’s divorce laws. The same rules apply for:
- Residency requirements — at least one spouse must have lived in Florida for six months before filing
- Equitable distribution of marital assets and debts
- Alimony eligibility and calculation
- Child support under Florida’s income shares model
- Parenting plans and time-sharing schedules
- Modification of existing orders post-divorce
Unique Challenges in Same-Sex Divorce Cases
While the law treats same-sex and opposite-sex divorces equally, there are situations that arise more frequently in LGBTQ+ divorce cases:
- Marriages that predate Florida recognition — Couples who married in other states before 2015 may have property, financial, and parenting arrangements that predate the legal recognition of their marriage in Florida
- Non-biological parenting rights — When one parent is not the biological parent of a child, establishing legal parenting rights may require additional steps
- Pre-recognition cohabitation — Assets accumulated together before the legal marriage may require careful analysis to determine what is marital and what is not
- Adoption and paternity issues — Cases involving children who were adopted or born through assisted reproduction may have additional legal components
Divorce in Florida If You Were Married in Another State
Many same-sex couples obtained marriage licenses in other states before Florida legalized same-sex marriage. You can still pursue a divorce in Florida regardless of where you were married. You need to meet Florida’s residency requirement — one spouse must have lived in the state for at least six months — and file in the county where either spouse resides.
Services for LGBTQ+ Families at Mindy Lasley, P.A.
- Contested and uncontested same-sex divorce
- Division of marital assets and debts — including property acquired before Florida recognition
- Alimony — spousal support for same-sex spouses
- Child support under Florida guidelines
- Child custody and time-sharing — including cases involving non-biological parents
- Parenting plans tailored to the family’s specific situation
- Post-divorce enforcement and modification of existing orders
- Protective orders for domestic violence
Related Practice Areas
- Tampa Divorce Attorney
- Child Custody Lawyer Tampa
- Tampa Parenting Plan Lawyer
- Alimony Lawyer Tampa
- Paternity Lawyer Tampa
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I get divorced in Florida if I was married in another state? | Yes. As long as one spouse has lived in Florida for at least six months, you can file for divorce here regardless of where the marriage took place. |
| Are same-sex divorces treated differently under Florida law? | No. Same-sex couples have the same rights and are subject to the same laws as any other married couple in a Florida divorce. |
| What if my spouse is not the biological parent of our child? | Legal parenting rights depend on adoption, court orders, or paternity establishment. Mindy can evaluate your specific situation and advise on the appropriate legal steps. |
| How are assets divided in a same-sex divorce? | Florida’s equitable distribution rules apply equally. Marital assets and debts are divided fairly based on the circumstances of the marriage. |
| What if we owned property together before our legal marriage? | Pre-recognition property is carefully analyzed to determine what is marital and what is not. This can be more complex in same-sex divorces, and documentation matters. |
| Does Mindy Lasley work with LGBTQ+ clients regularly? | Yes. Mindy proudly represents LGBTQ+ individuals and families and is experienced in the specific legal issues these cases involve. |
You Deserve the Same Strong Representation as Anyone Else
Your divorce matters. Your family matters. Mindy Lasley, P.A. provides the same thorough, committed advocacy to every LGBTQ+ client as to any other. Call (813) 873-9047 or visit our contact page to schedule a consultation with a same-sex divorce attorney in Tampa who will fight for your rights.
About Mindy Lasley, P.A.
Mindy Lasley, P.A. is a Tampa family law firm dedicated exclusively to Florida family law. Attorney Mindy Lasley proudly represents LGBTQ+ individuals in divorce, custody, and family law matters throughout Tampa, Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties. Located at 1005 N Marion St, Tampa, FL 33602.