LGBTQ+ affirming practices for family court professionals

Abstract

This paper focuses on the current issues faced by LGBTQ+ clients in family court cases. The paper proceeds in three parts. It first focuses on the specific issues that relate to LGBTQ+ people in the family court system and why they remain relevant despite the many advancements for LGBTQ+ people in recent years. The paper addresses what is unique about the legal system and how it can seem more accepting than it is. Finally, the paper addresses specific ways lawyers, judges, and forensic evaluators can support LGBTQ+ people in the family court system from the first moment people enter their office or courtroom. Overall, the goal of the article is to provide context for why it is important for family court professionals to be LGBTQ+ affirming and to provide specific ways to do so.