Shreveport LGBTQ Divorce Lawyer

Handling Same-Sex & LGBTQ Divorce with Compassion and Care

At Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law, we proudly serve the LGBTQ community in Shreveport and throughout Louisiana with compassionate, experienced, and results-driven legal representation. Divorce is never easy—emotionally or legally—but for same-sex couples, unique challenges can arise due to evolving laws, recognition of marriage dates, parental rights, and property division issues. When you’re facing a difficult transition, you need a legal advocate who not only understands family law but is also deeply familiar with the specific nuances of LGBTQ divorce in Louisiana.

If you're looking for a Shreveport LGBTQ divorce attorney who will protect your rights and respect your identity, the team at Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law is here to help.

Contact us today at (318) 633-0186 to schedule your initial consultation.

How Does an LGBTQ Divorce in Louisiana Differ?

While same-sex marriage has been legally recognized nationwide since the 2015 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, some unique issues still affect LGBTQ couples navigating divorce in Louisiana.

Recognition of Marriage Start Dates

For many LGBTQ couples, their relationships began long before legal marriage was an option. This creates complications when determining the duration of the marriage, which can impact spousal support (alimony), property division, and even retirement account splits. Courts may only consider the legal marriage date, which can feel unfair when the relationship spans decades.

Residency Requirements

Louisiana requires that at least one spouse has lived in the state for six months prior to filing for divorce. This applies equally to LGBTQ and heterosexual couples, but for same-sex couples who married in another state before Louisiana recognized their marriage, meeting this requirement can present logistical challenges.

Community Property Rules

Louisiana is a community property state, meaning all assets and debts acquired during the marriage are typically split 50/50. However, determining when the marriage legally began—and what property was acquired before versus after that date—can lead to complex legal questions for LGBTQ couples, especially those who were in domestic partnerships or civil unions before marriage.

Issues Involving Same-Sex Divorce

Our Shreveport LGBTQ divorce lawyers are equipped to handle all aspects of same-sex divorce, including issues that may be more prevalent or complex in LGBTQ relationships.

Child Custody and Parental Rights

Parental rights can be one of the most emotionally charged aspects of an LGBTQ divorce. In many cases, only one parent is the biological or legally adoptive parent, leaving the other partner vulnerable if legal steps weren’t taken to establish parental rights (such as second-parent adoption).

At Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law, we fight for equitable custody arrangements and can assist with modifying or establishing legal parentage where possible.

Property and Asset Division

When couples have been together for many years before marriage, it can be difficult to determine which assets are considered community property versus separate property. This becomes even more complicated with jointly owned homes, shared businesses, and co-mingled finances. We work to uncover, document, and fairly divide all marital property.

Spousal Support (Alimony)

Spousal support is not guaranteed in Louisiana but may be awarded based on the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income, and other factors. For LGBTQ couples, courts may be less familiar with the dynamics of same-sex marriages, which is why it’s crucial to have experienced legal representation advocating on your behalf.

Legal Name Changes

Post-divorce name changes are common and relatively straightforward but still require specific legal steps. We help streamline the process, whether you're reverting to a previous name or choosing a new one that better reflects your identity.

FAQs About LGBTQ Divorce in Shreveport

Do I need a special lawyer for an LGBTQ divorce?

While any family law attorney can technically handle a divorce, LGBTQ individuals benefit from working with a lawyer who understands the unique legal and emotional aspects of same-sex divorce. At Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law, we have experience with LGBTQ legal issues and approach every case with respect and empathy.

Will the court treat our same-sex marriage equally?

Yes, legally your marriage is treated the same as any other marriage. However, practical issues—such as child custody, length of the relationship, and lack of precedent in certain cases—mean that not all outcomes are equal unless your attorney vigorously advocates for you.

Can I get divorced in Louisiana if I married in another state?

Yes, as long as you or your spouse have lived in Louisiana for at least six months, you can file for divorce here regardless of where you were married.

What happens if my partner and I adopted a child together?

If both partners legally adopted the child, custody and visitation are handled similarly to any other divorce. If only one partner is the legal parent, additional legal action may be needed to secure parental rights for the non-biological/non-adoptive parent.

Schedule a  Consultation Today

If you’re considering divorce or have already begun the process, don’t go it alone. Contact Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law today to speak with a Shreveport LGBTQ divorce lawyer who understands the complexities and sensitivities of your situation. We’ll guide you every step of the way, from filing to final settlement—and beyond.

Call (318) 633-0186 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation. Let us help you move forward with dignity and strength.