At Collis, Griffor & Hendra, we understand that family is more than just biology or legal definitions; it’s love, commitment, and a deeply personal bond that deserves protection under the law. For members of the LGBTQIA+ community in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and throughout Washtenaw County, facing the legal system when it comes to family matters can be uniquely complicated and, at times, deeply personal. That’s why our family lawyers are proud to offer compassionate, inclusive, and knowledgeable family law services tailored to the needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals and families.
We know that love doesn’t always look like the “traditional” mold, and we believe the law should reflect that reality. Whether you’re looking to grow your family, protect your rights, plan your future, or separate with dignity, our team of dedicated LGBTQIA+ family lawyers is here to guide you, every step of the way.
LGBTQIA+ Family Lawyers: Proudly Serving Clients in Ann Arbor and Throughout Washtenaw County
Collis, Griffor & Hendra is deeply connected to the diverse and progressive values that define our local community. We believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality legal representation that is not only competent but also affirming. We serve clients of all gender identities, sexual orientations, and family structures with respect, discretion, and deep commitment.
Unfortunately, despite recent advancements in LGBTQIA+ rights, discrimination and legal uncertainty still exist. We’ve seen how inconsistent recognition of same-sex relationships, both across state lines and internationally, can lead to heartbreaking legal challenges. We’ve also witnessed how outdated statutes and bureaucratic red tape continue to put same-sex couples and their children at risk. These are not just legal issues; they are human issues, and we treat them as such.
Our LGBTQIA+ Family Law Services
Our firm offers a wide range of family law and estate planning services that meet the specific needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals, couples, and families. From co-parent adoption to advanced planning for international travel, we focus on protecting your rights, your family, and your future.
Parental Rights and Family Formation
Whether you’re facing a matter of second-parent adoption, step-parent adoption, or assisted reproduction arrangements, we help ensure that all legal parent-child relationships are fully recognized. This is especially critical for non-biological parents in same-sex relationships, who may face unnecessary legal scrutiny without the proper documentation in place.
We also assist LGBTQIA+ families with surrogacy agreements, donor agreements, and guardianship planning, all tailored to ensure your intent and your family structure are respected and protected by law.
Estate Planning with Intentionality
Proper estate planning is essential for everyone, but for LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples, particularly those not legally married, it is even more vital. We prepare custom wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance directives that reflect your wishes and ensure your loved ones are protected should something happen to you.
In some cases, the legal system may defer to biological relatives by default, even if those relationships no longer exist or do not reflect your chosen family. That’s why we take the time to create thorough, enforceable documents that leave nothing to chance.
Advocacy Documents for International Travel
Certain countries do not recognize same-sex marriages or legal parental rights for LGBTQIA+ families. This can create real legal risks when traveling abroad, especially with children. To prepare for these scenarios, we offer customized advocacy documents and powers of attorney designed for use in jurisdictions such as Japan, Italy, and the Middle East, where legal protections may be absent, or worse, actively discriminatory. These documents can help you assert parental rights, provide medical consent, and reduce the risk of custody disputes or detainment when abroad.
Divorce, Custody, and Dissolution of Partnership
When relationships end, the emotional toll can be compounded by challenging legal questions, especially for LGBTQIA+ couples whose marriages or domestic partnerships may not be recognized uniformly in every jurisdiction. We help clients through divorce, property division, spousal support, and child custody matters with compassion. Whether you were married, in a civil union, or cohabitating in a long-term relationship, we help ensure that your contributions and rights are recognized and respected throughout the legal process.
Contact Collis, Griffor & Hendra Today
At Collis, Griffor & Hendra, we see you, we honor your family, and we’re here to fight for your rights. Whether you’re looking to build a family, protect the one you already have, or safeguard your legacy for future generations, our team of experienced LGBTQIA+ family lawyers is ready to support you with empathy, discretion, and professionalism. We invite you to schedule a consultation to talk more about your goals, your concerns, and how we can help. Contact us today to schedule your confidential consultation. Your family matters. Let’s protect it together.
