Articles
The High Cost of Denying Permanency
This report addresses the economic impact of maintaining children in foster care when otherwise qualified gay and lesbian individuals and couples are available, able, and willing to adopt, and the resulting costs– both direct and indirect – to the State of Florida.
What are the Federal Restrictions on Second-Partner Adoptions?
Lara Schwartz discusses second-parent adoption and Social Security “surviving child” payments.
Are There Any Legal Solutions That Would Give My Partner Equal Rights with Our Baby?
I am the birth mother of a 22-month-old baby with my female partner of eight years. We want to ensure that my partner gets the baby if anything happens to me. I have a power of attorney and a will stating that she is to be the guardian. But I have been informed that this will not be enough if a family member comes forward and wishes to take the baby, so we are looking into second-parent adoption. Is there a workable legal solution that would give my partner equal rights with the baby but preserve my rights as the primary parent?
How to Safeguard Your Relationship to Your Child
Although it is difficult to think about the possibility of separating from your partner, the fact remains that many relationships do end, and the law often fails to accommodate the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender families in times of crisis.
Who Gets to Be Called Mommy?
Aimee Gelnaw, Executive Director of the Family Pride Coalition talks about choosing labels such as Mom, Mommy and Mama.