Cage & Miles is committed to equality and advocating for the rights of LGBTQ+ families
We empower and support LGBTQ+ families in Los Angeles and San Diego
- Our lead and support attorneys in Los Angeles and San Diego are members of the LGBTQ+ community, and understand the legal nuance that comes with it.
- From gender marker changes to adoption, we are an ally in your pursuit of legal clarity and expertise across every challenge, and will help you find strength and clarity in your journey.
- We are passionate allies of the LGBTQ+ community and possess a level of cultural competence that is unachievable without an LGBTQ+ attorney to support and inform your path to legal clarity.
Same-sex marriage / LGBTQ+ marriage
Same-sex or LGBTQ+ marriage provides legal recognition and protections for committed couples, including rights related to property, healthcare, and spousal support. Whether you're planning to marry or need guidance on prenuptial agreements, it's important to understand how California law safeguards your union. Our experienced family law attorneys are here to ensure your marriage rights are protected and celebrated with confidence.
Same-sex parent adoptions / LGBTQ+ family adoptions
Adopting a child as a same-sex couple or LGBTQ+ family can be a rewarding yet complex process. From step-parent adoptions to securing parental rights, we help LGBTQ+ families navigate legal frameworks to ensure both parents are recognized under the law. We’ll guide you through each step, providing peace of mind as you grow and protect your family.
Gender marker changes
Changing your legal name or gender marker is a powerful step toward affirming your identity. This process involves navigating court petitions, documentation, and legal updates. The Cage & Miles team offers compassionate and thorough assistance to help you update your legal records smoothly and without unnecessary stress.
Domestic Partnerships
For LGBTQ+ couples who prefer domestic partnerships over marriage, California law offers unique protections and rights. Whether you’re establishing or dissolving a domestic partnership, it’s vital to understand how these agreements impact property, finances, and family matters. Cage & Miles is here to clarify your options and provide trusted legal support tailored to your needs.
We're Your San Diego Legal Advocates Committed to Equality
"LGBTQ+ clients tend to look beyond just cultural competence. They prioritize attorneys with experience handling non-traditional family structures, including multi-parent families, chosen family involvement, and complex non-biological parent rights. Understanding of specific legal precedents is crucial, particularly regarding pre-Obergefell marriages, domestic partnerships, and interstate recognition issues that may affect their case."
"As a gay attorney that grew up in a southern state, I understand what it feels like to navigate unclear waters against the backdrop of political uncertainty. Supporting LGBTQ+ family law clients in my new home of Southern California gives me an opportunity to provide them with the strength, clarity, and support that they need to move forward with dignity and confidence. When I support our clients, I feel an empathetic and passionate connection, one that I think is difficult to feel if you have not walked the same path in life."
"Feeling seen and heard matters deeply. As a lesbian attorney, I take pride in creating safe and affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ clients, recognizing the nuances of your stories, encouraging authenticity, and advocating in ways that uphold your dignity and rights. Every client should feel safe and respected by their attorney. Your identity should never stand in the way of accessing the representation you deserve."
Resources in San Diego
LGBTQ+ Community Center
Free legal clinics and support groups
Family Law Facilitator's Office
Free legal clinics and support groups
Legal Aid Society
LGBTQ+ inclusive services
Tom Homann Law Association
LGBTQ+ legal resources
What to expect in your legal journey with Cage & Miles
Meet with an Intake Specialist
We have a dedicated team to ensure that our attorneys have all the information they need to help you start moving forward on day one.
Free attorney consultation
We will connect you with an attorney within two business days of your intake appointment.
Determine next steps
We will help you determine how to proceed with strength and clarity
01Oct
| December 9, 2024
Parental Rights for LGBTQ+ Couples: Does Biology Matter?
The journey to having children looks different for every queer couple. If you and your co-parent have decided to part ways, it is important to..
We have come a long way, and we're here to stay.
- 1976: California legalizes artificial insemination for lesbian couples, allowing access to reproductive technologies.
- 1977: Assembly Bill No. 607 is enacted, amending the Civil Code to define marriage as a union between a man and a woman.
- 1999: Governor Gray Davis signs the Domestic Partnership Act, making California the first state to recognize same-sex relationships in a legal capacity.
- 2000: California voters pass Proposition 22, prohibiting the state from recognizing same-sex marriages.
- 2003: Governor Gray Davis signs the California Domestic Partner Rights and Responsibilities Act, granting registered domestic partners nearly all the legal rights of marriage.
- 2004: San Francisco begins issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. The California Supreme Court rules that the city lacked the authority to do so, invalidating these licenses.
- 2008: The California Supreme Court rules that same-sex couples have the right to marry under the state constitution. Proposition 8 passes, amending the state constitution to ban same-sex marriage.
- 2009: Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signs the Marriage Recognition and Family Protection Act, recognizing same-sex marriages performed out-of-state before Proposition 8.
- 2013: The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Hollingsworth v. Perry invalidates Proposition 8, allowing same-sex marriages to resume in California two days later, on June 28, 2013.
- 2014: Governor Jerry Brown signs Senate Bill 1306 into law, updating the Family Code to reflect marriage equality by removing gender-specific language.
- 2015: Obergefell v. Hodges is the landmark Supreme Court case that held that the Fourteenth Amendment guarantees the right to marry to same-sex couples, effectively legalizing gay marriage nationwide in the United States.
- 2024: California voters approve Proposition 3, repealing the 2008 ban on same-sex marriages and enshrining marriage equality in the state constitution.
- 2025: Cage & Miles will continue to relentlessly advocate for the rights of LGBTQ community, and advocate for equality and freedom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What unique legal challenges do LGBTQ+ couples face?
LGBTQ+ couples often encounter unique legal complexities related to marriage, adoption, parental rights, property division, and estate planning. At Cage & Miles, we are experienced in navigating these issues and providing tailored solutions.
How does California law recognize same-sex marriages?
California fully recognizes same-sex marriages, granting couples the same rights and responsibilities as opposite-sex marriages. Cage & Miles can guide you through any diverse legal nuances specific to your needs.
Can LGBTQ+ couples adopt children in California?
Yes, California law allows LGBTQ+ couples to adopt children. Whether through stepparent adoption, second-parent adoption, or private adoption, we provide comprehensive support to ensure a smooth process.
Do I need a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement as an LGBTQ+ couple?
Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements can protect both partners by defining financial and property rights in case of divorce or separation. We can help you draft agreements that reflect your unique relationship dynamics.
What is second-parent adoption, and do we need it?
Second-parent adoption ensures that both partners have legal parental rights, even if one partner is the biological parent. This step provides additional legal security for your family.
Can we both be listed as legal parents on our child’s birth certificate?
Yes, California allows both parents in an LGBTQ+ family to be listed on a child’s birth certificate. Cage & Miles can help ensure this process is completed correctly.
We're Cage & Miles
Our five star reputation was earned by providing over a decade of exceptional service, and superior outcomes.