Protecting the Rights of All Families in a Changing Legal Landscape
We recognize that families take many forms. Whether you are in a same-sex marriage, a blended household, a cohabiting partnership, or a multigenerational caregiving arrangement, our firm is committed to helping you navigate the unique challenges non-traditional families often face in New York’s legal system.
What Is a Non-Traditional Family?
Non-traditional families may differ from the nuclear model of two married, opposite-sex parents and their biological children. These families may include:
- Same-Sex Couples
- Unmarried Cohabiting Partners
- Single Parents
- Blended Families
- Grandparents or Relatives Raising Children
Each of these arrangements can raise important legal questions, especially around custody, support, inheritance, and parental rights.
Legal Challenges Facing Non-Traditional Families
While non-traditional families generally have access to the same legal rights and protections as other families, asserting and enforcing those rights can be more complicated.
Common issues include:
- Custody & Visitation
- Parentage & Parental Rights
- Cohabitation & Property Division
- Child & Spousal Support
- Estate Planning
How We Can Help
Our attorneys offer both advocacy and planning services for non-traditional families, including:
- Establishing legal parentage and securing parental rights
- Representing clients in custody and visitation disputes
- Drafting cohabitation agreements and financial arrangements for unmarried partners
- Assisting with second-parent adoptions and surrogacy-related proceedings
- Litigating or negotiating support and property disputes
- Creating estate plans tailored to non-traditional households
- Navigating divorce and separation for same-sex couples, especially those married in other jurisdictions or before nationwide recognition
Affirming and Empowering All Families
We understand that non-traditional families often face legal uncertainty, social stigma, or bias in the court system. At Cohen Stine Kapoor LLP, we provide experienced, nonjudgmental, and forward-thinking counsel. We will work with you to craft legal strategies that reflect the realities of your family—because your rights and your loved ones deserve protection.