Every family deserves the security of clear legal protection, and knowledgeable counsel who treats them with respect. At A&M Law, we provide affirming, confidential family-law representation to LGBTQ+ Montanans, whether you're growing your family through adoption, formalizing your parental rights, or navigating a divorce. Misty Gaubatz and Ashley Hurlbert bring genuine family-law depth to this work, including a Certified Guardian ad Litem and hands-on adoption experience.
Marriage, Divorce & Equal Rights
Same-sex marriage is legal nationwide, and in Montana married LGBTQ+ couples have the same rights and responsibilities as anyone else. If a marriage ends, you're entitled to the same fair process for property division, spousal support, and parenting that Montana law provides to all couples, and, where it fits, the same calmer alternatives, like Cooperative Family Law.
Building Your Family: Adoption & Parentage
One of the most important steps an LGBTQ+ family can take is securing legal parentage for both parents. When a child is born to one partner, the other may not be automatically recognized as a legal parent, even within a marriage. A second-parent or stepparent adoption, or a parentage order, establishes a permanent, legally protected parent-child relationship. It's a safeguard that matters most exactly when you hope you'll never need it.
Protecting Parental Rights in Custody
LGBTQ+ parents are held to the same best interests of the child standard as all Montana parents. The complications usually arise around legal parentage, particularly for unmarried couples where only one partner is the recognized parent. Establishing that legal relationship early is the best protection. If you're already facing a separation, we'll help you assert and defend your rights to your children.
Representation You Can Trust
You deserve an attorney who understands both the law and your family. We offer straightforward, affirming guidance and the same fierce advocacy we bring to every client, with the discretion and respect these matters call for. Whatever stage you're at, we'll help you protect the family you've built.