LGBTQ+ Family Law Attorneys in California
At Cage & Miles, we are proud allies of the LGBTQ+ community. With attorneys who are themselves members of the LGBTQ+ community, we bring not only legal expertise but also cultural competence and empathy that makes a difference in every case.
We empower and support LGBTQ+ families in California
- 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 understanding 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.
LGBTQ+ Family Law Services
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."
— Jillian Duggan-Herd, Cage & Miles Partner & Certified Family Law Specialist
"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."
— Kevin Alexander II, Cage & Miles Family Law Attorney
"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."
— Alaina Lynch, Cage & Miles Attorney
Resources in San Diego
Here are some LGBTQ+ family law resources to help guide and inform your journey:
LGBTQ+ Community Center
Free legal clinics and support groups
Visit their site here
Family Law Facilitator's Office
Free legal clinics and support groups
Visit their site here
Legal Aid Society
LGBTQ+ inclusive services
Visit their site here
Tom Homann Law Association
LGBTQ+ legal resources
Visit their site here
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 champion equality and freedom.
Speak With an LGBTQ+ Family Law Specialist
Contact us for a confidential, introductory conversation with our Intake Specialist. We’ll talk with you about your unique family law matter, and match you with an attorney who is best suited to handle the particular issues in your case, so we can help you take the next step forward.
Speak with an LGBTQ+ Family Law Attorney
Schedule a confidential, no-obligation conversation with our team. We’ll discuss your unique situation and match you with the attorney best suited to help you move forward.
Get matched with the right LGBTQ+ Family Law attorney for your case
Get matched with a trusted Cage & Miles attorney who understands your unique situation. We’ll guide you every step of the way, from your first conversation to confident resolution.
