Get An Experienced LGBT Lawyer

“Attorney Susan T. Perkins is a Rhode Island LGBT Lawyer whose mission is to increase visibility and support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender lawyers and professionals in keeping with her overall commitment to diversity”.

Susan T. Perkins is a Rhode Island LGBT Lawyer who has been handling same-sex divorce and civil union dissolutions before Rhode Island passing same-sex marriage. With a continuing dedication to the LGBT community, Rhode Island LGBT Divorce Attorney Susan T. Perkins knows how important it is to ensure that you have the best representation possible. She is proud to serve the Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut communities.

If you and your partner were legally married or validly entered into the same-sex civil union or domestic partnership in another state, and you currently reside in Rhode Island, Massachusetts or Connecticut, it is now legal to get divorced. For these States to have the power to grant your divorce, you must have lived in one of these states for a minimum of one year.

We understand that it can be difficult to know which direction to go in tough times and our office is happy to be of service. If you have any questions, call to schedule a free consultation with our office.

Same Sex Custody and Divorce

The Law Office of Rhode Island LGBT Lawyer Susan T. Perkins has successfully handled many same-sex divorce cases, including child custody, and complex asset divisions. There are many subtle differences between opposite sex divorce and same-sex divorce, in which she is experienced and able to help. Our office has handled many of these cases with swiftness and grace and wanted you to know that we are here for you.

Rhode Island LGBT Lawyer Susan has helped many gay and lesbian clients with their same-sex divorce or dissolution of domestic partnership or civil union. You too, just like any straight client, deserve the protection of your property, support and custody rights. Our talented team of Rhode Island LGBT Lawyer’s will work with you to make sure that you get the assistance that you need.

“With years of relevant experience, I am well equipped to navigate the relatively newer same-sex divorce laws as they relate to child custody, support, and visitation. Many of our same-sex clients have children either biologically conceived or adopted.”

Property, assets, and debts are also divided upon divorce through equitable distribution. Equitable distribution means that any marital assets or debts are divided fairly. Rhode Island LGBT Attorney Susan T. Perkins has helped many same-sex divorce clients obtain favorable settlements through strong negotiation and aggressive litigation. In situations with LGBT clients our firm is uniquely equipped to deal assist you and we hope that if you have any questions, you will contact our office for a free consultation.

Rhode Island LGBT Attorney Susan T. Perkins’ objective when handling a same-sex divorce is to make sure that you thoroughly understand your rights and obligations as you transition from marriage to divorce. Many same-sex divorces are settled through negotiation and compromise. Susan T. Perkins offers divorce mediation, negotiation, and uncontested divorces, as well as contested or litigated divorces. It is important that when you decide it is time for divorce that you choose the best Rhode Island LGBT Lawyer for your situation.

Susan T. Perkins also provides an Expedited option that gets you your divorce extremely fast, usually in 3 months from start to finish. We offer this unique service because we understand how emotionally difficult it can be to go through a divorce. The faster with address your issues the sooner you can put them behind you.

Frequently Asked Questions About LGBTQ laws in Rhode Island

What is the adoption process like for same-sex couples in Rhode Island?

In order to adopt a child in Rhode Island, there is a comprehensive multi-step process involved. For instance, you’ll have to attend an adoption information hearing, fill out an application, enroll in a home study preparation course, meet with social workers in your home, and complete a home study before you wait for a match of a child that fits best in your home and your lifestyle. It is highly advised to work closely with a LGBTQ adoption lawyer to assure that your adoption is being carried out fairly and properly.

What are some of the challenges that the LGBTQ community faces when trying to adopt?

One of the biggest problems facing same-sex couples or gay singles attempting to adopt is the stigma. To adopt a child, you will have to sit with a social worker. These social workers have their personal biases and sometimes they let these biases influence their decisions. The stigma attached to being gay makes it much harder to adopt a child. It is hard for gay couples to receive equal treatment in adoptions. Also, the adoption process can be time-consuming, complicated, and confusing. LGBTQ adoption lawyer Susan T. Perkins can help you feel confident and comfortable moving forward with your adoption. If you feel as though you’ve been discriminated against throughout the adoption process due to your sexual orientation, contact our law firm immediately to discuss your situation with an LGBTQ lawyer.

What can same-sex couples do to prevent complications in divorce?

While it can be an uncomfortable conversation to have with a partner, most LGBTQ lawyers will recommend signing a prenuptial agreement to prevent potential complications in the worst-case scenario — a divorce. Statistics show that many same-sex couples marry later on in life than most heterosexual couples. This means that same-sex couples are more likely to be established, make more money, own more assets than their heterosexual counterparts who typically marry at younger ages. Since same-sex marriage has become more normalized throughout Rhode Island and the rest of the country, divorce proceedings aren’t as complex as they used to be. However, it’s still important to protect yourself and your assets before tying the knot.

If you and your partner have decided to separate, call Rhode Island LGBT Lawyer Susan T. Perkins today at (401) 324-2990 for a FREE consultation.