Lifting gay marriage ban allows lesbian couple to be parents

Lifting gay marriage ban allows lesbian couple to be parents

The lifting of a gay marriage ban in Florida is giving a Palm Beach County infant the right to call both women in a lesbian couple her parents.

A Palm Beach County judge on Wednesday ruled that both Lisa Maxwell and Christine Stephens-Maxwell are the parents of 7-week-old Satori.

Satori was born last month after Christine became pregnant through in-vitro fertilization. The couple had married in New York in 2012.

Florida law recognizes that a baby born to a married couple from in-vitro fertilization is the child of both husband and wife.

But Circuit Judge Lisa Small extended that recognition to the spouse of the child-bearing wife, now that Florida recognizes same-sex marriages.

Before the ban was lifted earlier this month, Lisa would have had to adopt Satori.

How We Can Help
If you, a friend or a family member find themselves in a situation such as this, please call the Law Office of Scott A. Ferris, P.A. at 305 670-3330 right away. Scott A. Ferris, Esq. is a licensed family law attorney who has been practicing law since 1987. He is available whenever you need him to pursue your rights. Please learn about our firm at www.FerrisLawFirm.com.