TransParentcy - TLGB+ Family Law Resources

Transgender Family Law People Resources

BERGSTEDT WOLFF, PS, Attorneys at Law: 3400 188th St. SW Suite 695
Lynnwood, WA 98037
Phone: 425-673-1610
Fax: 425-673-2908
Email: spencer@bergstedtwolff.com
Web Site: http://www.bergstedtwolff.com/
Last Update: 4/29/2007
Spencer Bergstedt is a Seattle attorney, author of two books on transgender legal issues, one for MTF's and one for FTM's.
Chris Daley (NCLR): 870 Market St. Suite 570
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: 415-392-6257
Email: daley@nclrights.org
Web Site: http://www.nclrights.org/
Last Update: 8/29/2001
Co-ordinator of the Transgender Law Project at the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR).
Karen Doering, Esq.: Equality Florida 1222 S. Dale Mabry, #652
Tampla, FL 33629
Phone: 813-870-3735
Fax: 813-870-1499
Email: karen@eqfl.org
Web Site: http://www.eqfl.org
Last Update: 11/18/2002
Karen is the legal/discrimination contact at Equality Florida and works with the National Center for Lesbian Rights. She was recently part of the legal team for Michael Kantaras in a trans custody case.
Kristine W. Holt, Attorney at Law: 1237 Haddonfield-Berlin Road
Voorhees, NJ 08043
Phone: 856-719-0909
Email: info@holtesq.com
Web Site: http://www.holtesq.com
Last Update: 04/01/2001
Transgender Law: Employment problems, discrimination, harassment, marriage, separation and divorce, child custody and visitation, medical and insurance problems, name change and identification
Gianna E. Israel: P.O. Box 424447
San Francisco, CA 94142
Phone: 415-558-8058
Email: GIanna@counselsuite.com
Last Update: 04/26/2001
GIANNA E. ISRAEL provides nationwide telephone consultation, individual & relationship counseling, evaluations and referrals. She is principal author of the Transgender Care (Temple University / in press 1997). She also writes Transgender Tapestry's "Ask Gianna" column; is an AEGIS board member and HBIGDA member.
Anne M. Lawrence, MD: Email: alawrence@mindspring.com
Web Site: http://www.annelawrence.com/
Last Update: 05/10/2001
Contact her through her Transsexual Women's Resources web site. Transsexual Women's Resources site - surgery, standards of care, lot's of information and links to other resources for the trans communities.
Lauren Mac Neill, JD, MSW: 4605 NE Fremont, Suite 209
Portland, OR 97212
Phone: 503-380-8528
Email: lauren@laurenmacneill.com
Web Site: http://www.laurenmacneill.com
Last Update: 8/22/2006
Family Mediation in the areas of divorce (including child custody, parenting time, child support, spousal support, and property division), domestic partnership dissolution, prenuptials, adoption, third party visitation, parent teen, and eldercare. Also provides relationship-focused individual and couple's therapy, and related services. Expertise in LGBTQ family issues.
Alyson D. Meiselman, Attorney at Law: 14400 Lake Winds Way
North Potomac, MD 20878
Phone: 301-424-9314
Fax: 301-424-9314
Email: famlaw@his.com
Web Site: http://meiselmanlaw.lawoffice.com
Last Update: 04/01/2001
Transgender law, family law, custody for transgender persons.
Shannon Minter, Legal Director (NCLR): 870 Market St. Suite 570
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: 415-392-6257
Email: Minter@nclrights.org
Web Site: http://www.NCLRights.org
Last Update: 11/15/2002
NCLR Legal Director Shannon Minter oversees NCLR's legal program. He joined NCLR in 1993, when he received an Equal Justice Fellowship from the National Association of Public Interest Law to initiate the first nationwide legal program for LGBT youth at NCLR. Minter has litigated cases that have set important new precedents in family, youth, domestic partnership, marriage, immigration, and transgender rights. He has also authored numerous publications on legal and policy issues affecting LGBT people and is recognized as a national legal expert on these issues. Minter has served as an adjunct professor or lecturer at a number of law schools, including Stanford University School of Law, Golden Gate Law School, and Santa Clara Law School. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Horizons Foundation in San Francisco, and on the International Advisory Board of the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission. Minter received a B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin in 1983, completed four years of graduate study in English and American literature on a Mellon fellowship at Cornell University, and worked as a researcher and editorial assistant for Henry Louis Gates, Jr. at the African-American Fiction and Periodical Project at Cornell. Minter received a J.D. from Cornell Law School in 1993.
Lisa Mottet, Legislative Lawyer (NGLTF): 1325 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20005-4171
Phone: 202-393-5177
Fax: 202-393-2241
Email: lmottet@ngltf.org
Web Site: http://www.ngltf.org
Last Update: 11/15/2002
Part of NGLTF's Transgender Civil Rights Project which works to increase the number of state, local and federal laws that prohibit discrimination based on gender expression and identity.

Transgender Family Law Publication Resources

Canada Court Backs Transsexual Parent: Web Site: http://fact.on.ca/news/news0102/np010202.htm
Last Update: 05/15/2001
National Post, February 2, 2001 (Canada) A father's decision to change his gender from male to female does not constitute a material change in circumstances sufficient to warrant altering a child custody arrangement, an Ontario court has ruled. (Original story posted at the National Post On-line, but has since been removed. A reprint has been posted at the Canadian resource F.A.C.T. Fathers Are Capable Too, a non-custodial parent organization.)
Case 85030: Estate of Marshall G. Gardner: Web Site: http://www.kscourts.org/kscases/ctapp/2001/20010511/85030.htm
Last Update: 05/11/2001
Kansas Court of Appeals just issued a great decision in the J'Noel Gardiner marriage case in Kansas. (From the Kansas Court of Appeals, dated May 11, 2001.) This is a ruling on whether Marshall's marriage to J'Noel, a transsexual, meets the states criteria and therefore entitles her to her husband's estate as an heir.
Case Law: Forrester v. Forrester, (Ontario, Canada): Web Site: http://www.advocate.com/html/news/020301_020501/020301news10.asp
Last Update: 11/15/2002
Article at Advocate.com. Leslie Forrester retained her joint custody arrangement in Ontario, Canada after her ex filed to change the parenting time because she transitioned. The judge rules that changing gender does not constitute grounds for changing the current arrangement.
Case Law: Maginley-Covington, (Pennsylvannia, PA): Web Site: http://www.TransParentcy.org/CaseLaw_Maginley-Covington.htm
Last Update: 11/15/2002
Judge rules to change transgender parent's current temporary custody to full physical and legal custody.
Case Law: Papadopoulos v. Funatake, (May 2001): Web Site: http://www.TransParentcy.org/Papadopoulos_v_Funatake.htm
Last Update: 05/29/2001
Judge dismisses claim that parent's gender transition is any issue in custody determination, requires Petitioner to reduce the amount of non-contact time between Respondent and child and Respondent is given joint legal custody. (Case in Multnomah County, Oregon, US).
Parenting Evaluations for Families with Special Needs, by Wendy Hutchins-Cook, Ph.D.: Web Site: http://www.behavenet.com/sfi/abstracts/cook.htm
Last Update: 07/28/2001
Abstract from a workshop covering parenting evaluations where sexual or gender identity issues may be involved. From the Seattle Forensic Institute, hosted by Behavenet (www.behavenet.com/). {Ed. Note: May be somewhat controversial regarding the possible recommended behaviors for the transgender parent.}
Transgendered Persons and Marriage: The Importance of Legal Planning, by Shannon Minter (NCLR): Email: Minter@nclrights.org
Web Site: http://academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/polisci/pcurrah/genderlaw/transmarriage.htm
Last Update: 05/12/2001
"Transgendered people face unique legal issues with regard to marriage. Although marriage is not yet a legal option for lesbian, gay or bisexual people in any state, it is already an option -- and a reality -- for many who are transgendered. This article summarizes the legal issues surrounding marriage for transgendered people and suggests some ways that transgendered persons can protect their marital relationships." (Also available from http://www.nclrights.org/publications/pubs_tgmarriage.html)

LGBT Family Law People Resources

Lake James H. Perriguey, Attorney at Law: Law Works LLC
618 NW Glisan St., Ste 203
Portland, OR 97209
Phone: 503-803-5184
Fax: 503-803-5187
Email: lake@law-works.com
Web Site: http://www.law-works.com
Last Update: 11/24/2007
Lake's practice includes personal injury, civil rights law, intellectual property, will and estates, landlord/tenant, criminal defense, domestic relations and business law.

LGBT Family Law Organization Resources

Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD): 294 Washington Street, Suite 740
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-426-1350
Email: gladlaw@glad.org
Web Site: http://www.glad.org/
Last Update: 11/14/2001
New England's leading legal rights organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation, HIV status and gender identity and expression.

LGBT Family Law Publication Resources

Circumventing the Best Interests of the Child Standard: Web Site: http://www.mobar.org/journal/1999/julaug/brunner.htm
Last Update: 8/24/2001
Circumventing the "Best Interests of the Child" Standard: Child Custody Law in Missouri as Applied to Homosexual Parents. A synopsis of a Missouri Supreme Court case, Delong v. Delong where a parent's homosexuality was initially used to restrict parenting time.
GLBT's Can Adopt; Mass. Law Prevents Foster Parenting, UPenn Prof. Takes Stand: Web Site: http://www.umass.edu/rso/colegian/issues/9709/23/sections/news/article1.html
Last Update: 06/04/2001
From The Massachusetts Daily Collegian, article by Rachael Pepe. The issues for an LGBT person wanting to adopt.
Legal Recognition of LGBT Families: Email: Info@nclrights.org
Web Site: http://www.nclrights.org/publications/pubs_lgbtfamilies.html
Last Update: 05/12/2001
Legal issues in the area of parenting, custody/visitation, second-parent adoption. Article from the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR).
Protecting Families: Standards for Child Custody in Same-sex Relationships: Web Site: http://www.colage.org/parents/custody_rights.html
Last Update: 07/05/2001
From the web site of COLAGE. While the primary subject deals with same-sex relationships, the ideas and guidelines are also applicable to any custody issue. Above all else the focus should be kept on the children. Provides an Adobe PDF version, too.

General Family Law People Resources

Ivan M. Karmel, Attorney at Law: 1023 SW Yamhill St.
Portland, OR 97205
Phone: 503-295-2486
Fax: 503-295-0126
Last Update: 04/01/2001
Family Law (divorce, custody), business law. {Opinion: Trans Affirming and supportive, works to ensure no undue emphasis is placed on a parent's LGBT issues.}
Lake Perriguey, Attorney: 1811 NW Couch St Suite 304
Portland, OR 97209-2133
Phone: 503-227-2570
Fax: 815-366-3191
Email: lake@law-works.com
Web Site: http://www.law-works.com
Last Update: 04/24/2001
Law Works law offices whose practice includes personal injury, civil rights law, intellectual property, will and estates, landlord/tenant, criminal defense, domestic relations and business law.
Ingrid E. Slezak, Attorney at Law, Mediation: 1220 SW Morrison St. Suite 1300
Portland, OR 97205
Phone: 503-248-0938
Email: ieslezak@aol.com
Last Update: 04/01/2001
Only brief contact during a "near the end" mediation, did not appear to be concerned with the trans issues, focusing on finding the middle ground to the actual parenting time and property settlement.

General Family Law Organization Resources

Academy of Family Mediators (AFM): Web Site: http://www.igc.apc.org/afm/afmref.html
Last Update: 04/28/2001
Referral Service The Academy of Family Mediators provides a referral service of our Practitioner Members who practice in the areas of family and divorce mediation and who have met strict training and experience requirements. Those in need of a mediator may contact the AFM office. Please specify the state(s) or country you are interested in receiving assistance, along with your fax number or mailing address. A list of mediators in your area will be sent right away.
CASA for Children, Inc.: Web Site: http://www.casahelpskids.org/
Last Update: 04/28/2001
Background information on CASA and the work they do in supporting the interests of children within the court system.
Children's Rights Council (CRC): 300 I (eye) Steet NE, Suite 401
Washington, DC 20002
Phone: 202-547-6227
Web Site: http://www.gocrc.com/
Last Update: 11/17/2001
"The Best Parent is Both Parents" Formed in 1985, the Children's Rights Council (CRC) is a national non-profit organization based in Washington, DC that works to assure children meaningful and continuing contact with both their parents and extended family regardless of the parents' marital status.
Children's Rights Council of Oregon: Roy Nolan, Coordinator P.O. Box 2095
Portland, OR 97208
Phone: 503.232.8630
Last Update: 11/17/2001
Oregon chapter of Children's Rights Council
Nolo.com: 950 Parker Street
Berkeley, CA 94710-2524
Phone: 800-728-3555
Fax: 800-645-0895
Email: cs@nolo.com
Web Site: http://www.nolo.com/product/
Last Update: 04/28/2001
Online resource of legal information including divorce and child custody issues. (To help people handle their own everyday legal matters -- or learn enough about them to make working with a lawyer a more satisfying experience -- we publish reliable, plain-English books, software, forms and this website.)
Oregon Psychological Association (OPA): 147 SE 102nd Avenue
Portland, OR 97216
Phone: 503-253-9155
Phone 2: 800-541-9798
Fax: 503-253-9172
Email: opa@opa.org
Web Site: http://www.opa.org/
Last Update: 04/28/2001
OPA advocates for psychologists on Local, State and National issues affecting both our profession and the world we live in. OPA functions through the active volunteer work of our membership and through payment of dues. (OPA provides an information and referral service to the public for locating a psychologist.)

General Family Law Publication Resources

Café Law Bookstore - Divorce Publications: Web Site: http://www.cafelaw.com/divbks.html
Last Update: 04/28/2001
An Amazon.com affliliate providing listings of law references covering all areas including divorce.
Divorce and Children: Web Site: http://www.divorcedoc.com/howto.htm
Last Update: 04/28/2001
Information/article about divorce and children, how to make the most of it so the impact on your children is minimzed.
Divorce Info: Web Site: http://www.divorceinfo.com/
Last Update: 04/28/2001
Online divorce resource site, information includes divorce, custody and state laws.
DivorceSource: Web Site: http://www.divorcesource.com/index.html
Last Update: 04/28/2001
State by state information on divorce - statutes, guidelines and resources and/or referrals.
Joint Custody and Shared Parenting, (CRC Publication): 300 I Steet NE, Suite 401
Washington, DC 20002
Phone: 202-547-6227
Web Site: http://www.gocrc.com/
Last Update: 11/17/2001
In the research section of the Children's Rights Council web site. "To see the importance of shared parenting, consider how you, as an adult, would feel if you could see your children only four days a month. Like most parents, you would miss them terribly, even with your adult level of emotional maturity. Children, with their fragile, still-developing emotions, often suffer much more. Children naturally love and need both parents. Sadly, most children of divorce see their non-custodial parent only four days a month."
Oregon Revised Statues 107, 1999 Edition, Dissolution, Annulment; Separation; Mediation and Conciliation Services: Web Site: http://www.leg.state.or.us/ors/107.html
Last Update: 05/25/2001
Full text of the State of Oregon revised statutes covering marriage dissolution, custody, financial obligations, custody changes, etc.
Practice parameters for child custody evaluation: Web Site: http://www.guideline.gov/VIEWS/summary.asp?guideline=317
Last Update: 05/10/2001
Article from the National Guideline Clearinghouse. Objective of article: To provide a guide for clinicians evaluating the often delicate and complex issues surrounding a child custody dispute. This is a very explicit set of guidelines to help ensure that the custody recommendation is based on data (forensic) and not on the subjective beliefs and philosophies of the evaluator.
Psychologists and Custody Evaluation Reports: Illusions of Expertise, Ethics and Objectivity: Web Site: http://tanadineen.com/COLUMNIST/Writings/custody.htm
Last Update: 05/10/2001
Writing by Dr. Tana Dineen raising significant issue with the validity of custody evaluations, the bias' of the evaluator and the potential for conflict of interest in so far as the profession seeing it as a profitable source of revenue versus persuing to determine the best interests of the child.
Shared Parenting Laws: 300 I Steet NE, Suite 401
Washington, DC 20002
Phone: 202-547-6227
Web Site: http://www.gocrc.com/research/legislation.html
Last Update: 11/18/2001
Children's Rights Council's site, go to the highlighted section, Shared Parenting Laws for a listing of which states have legislated or presumptive statutes for shared/joint parenting and a summary of the bill or statute, by state.
State Divorce Laws - Oregon: Web Site: http://www.divorcesource.com/info/divorcelaws/oregon.shtml
Last Update: 04/22/2001
Filing requirements, procedures, the current custody guidelines for the state of Oregon. DivorceSource has listings for all states.