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Hopper Hopper StrebeProtecting Families, Building Futures

San Francisco Same-Sex Marriage Attorney

Compassionate Legal Advocacy for LGBTQ+ Families

Our experienced San Francisco same-sex marriage attorneys provide dedicated representation for LGBT couples navigating marriage, divorce, custody, and family law matters with respect and personalized care.

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    our firm

    Your Trusted Family Law Attorneys for LGBTQ+ Clients

    At Hopper Hopper & Strebe, we recognize that same-sex couples and LGBTQ+ families deserve legal representation that honors their relationships and protects their rights. With over 40 years of combined experience in California family law, our attorneys have guided countless LGBT couples through marriage, divorce, custody disputes, and property division with sensitivity and strategic advocacy.

    About us

    Comprehensive Family Law Services for Same-Sex Couples

    We provide full-service legal representation for LGBTQ+ individuals and families across all aspects of California family law.

    • Marriage and Domestic Partnerships

      California law grants same-sex couples the right to marry with full legal recognition. For couples who entered domestic partnerships before marriage equality, we can help you understand your legal options, including converting your partnership to marriage or maintaining your current status.

    • Divorce

      When a marriage or domestic partnership ends, California's family law statutes apply equally to all couples. Our attorneys handle all aspects of same-sex divorce, including property division, spousal support, and child custody. We work to protect your rights and achieve fair outcomes during this difficult transition.

    • Child Custody

      Establishing and protecting parental rights is often more complex for same-sex couples, especially when children were born through surrogacy, adoption, or assisted reproduction. We help legal parents secure custody and visitation rights, and we assist non-biological parents in establishing their legal connection to the children they're raising.

    • Property Division

      California is a community property state, meaning assets acquired during marriage are typically divided equally. We work with same-sex couples to identify and value all marital property, including real estate, retirement accounts, and business interests, ensuring fair distribution under California law.

    • Spousal Support and Partner Support

      Whether you're seeking alimony or facing a partner support claim, our family law attorneys will analyze your income, earning capacity, and the length of your relationship to advocate for a fair support arrangement.

    • Adoption and Parentage

      We assist LGBT couples with second-parent adoption, stepparent adoption, and establishing legal parentage through assisted reproduction. Securing legal recognition as parents protects your relationship with your children and ensures you can make decisions about their health, education, and welfare.

    Ready to Protect Your Family's Future?

    Connect with our San Francisco same-sex marriage attorneys today. Schedule your free consultation and get the personalized guidance you deserve.

    Schedule a Free Consultation
    Or call us now!
    (916) 518-9718

    Key Issues Facing Same-Sex Couples in California

    While marriage equality brought significant progress, LGBTQ+ families still encounter specific legal challenges that require experienced representation.

    Dissolving Domestic Partnerships

    If you entered a domestic partnership before same-sex marriage became legal, dissolving that partnership follows different procedures than divorce. We help clients understand their legal options and guide them through the process of terminating domestic partnerships or converting them to marriage.

    Non-Traditional Family Structures

    Many same-sex couples build families through co-parenting agreements, known donors, or multi-parent arrangements. These non-traditional family structures require careful legal planning to protect everyone's parental rights and prevent future disputes.

    Parental Rights and Legal Recognition

    When only one parent has a biological connection to the child, establishing legal parentage for the non-biological parent is essential. Without legal recognition, you may face challenges with custody, visitation, and decision-making authority if the relationship ends or if your partner passes away.

    Interstate Recognition

    Although same-sex marriages are recognized nationwide, couples who moved to California from states with different laws may face questions about when their marriage began or how premarital assets should be treated. Our attorneys can help resolve these jurisdictional issues.

    The Legal Process for Same-Sex Marriage and Divorce in California

    Our family law attorneys have a deep command of California's statutes. We simplify this process, helping you understand every stage from filing the petition to obtaining the final court judgment.

    Marriage

    Same-sex couples can marry in California following the same process as any other couple. You'll obtain a marriage license from the county clerk, have a ceremony performed by an authorized officiant, and file the signed license to receive your marriage certificate.

    Divorce or Legal Separation

    To file for divorce in San Francisco, you or your spouse must have lived in California for at least six months and in San Francisco County for at least three months. California law requires a six-month waiting period before your divorce can be finalized.

    The divorce process includes:

    • Filing the petition for dissolution of marriage
    • Serving your spouse with divorce papers
    • Exchanging financial disclosures about assets, debts, and income
    • Negotiating or mediating disputes related to property, custody, and support
    • Reaching a settlement agreement or proceeding to trial
    • Obtaining a final judgment from the court

    Our family law attorneys represent clients through every step, working to achieve fair outcomes while minimizing conflict and stress.

    Voices of Trust and Confidence

    • Excellent group. I searched through over 40 attorneys, and it took weeks. Luckily, I came across Jason, who I hired and is helping me with my case. His court skills are incredible and his ability to catch details on the opposing group and bring them up in court are perfect.

      Sunny D

    • Mr. Hopper is the only attorney I will use moving forward should additional legal matters arise in the area he has provided assistance. Mr. Hopper is a great communicator, treats his clients very well, and I trust his judgment. I am obviously very pleased across the board and believe Mr. Hopper works extremely hard for his clients.

      Stancil Hutchinson

    • A true professional... Mr. Hopper has been a great attorney and I am truly grateful for his assistance. He has been nothing but professional and is a great communicator and quite kind. I am impressed by his judgment and several other qualities. I would not consider another attorney should similar matters arise in the future.

      Avvo review

    • Hands down the best. Jason was competent, knowledgeable and extremely effective. I had a difficutlt move away custody case. Jason listened carefully to all the details and was able to translate that into the proper legal format and terminology crafting an approach that resulted in a better outcome than I could have even hoped for. Along the way he was responsive, professional and reassuring. I highly recommend Jason and his team.

      Corene

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    California
    Our locations

    Serving San Francisco
    ‍and Beyond

    Based in San Francisco, our law firm proudly represents same-sex couples and LGBTQ+ families throughout Northern California, including:

    • Sacramento

      555 Capitol Mall, Suite 480,
      Sacramento CA 95814

    • Roseville

      916 Highland Pointe Drive, Suite 250,
      Roseville CA 95678

      by appointment only

    • 5170 Golden Foothill Pkwy,
      El Dorado Hills, CA 95762

      by appointment only

    • Hobart Building, 582 Market Street, 17th Floor,
      San Francisco, CA 94104

      by appointment only
    Our team

    Dedicated Attorneys
    ‍Committed to LGBTQ+ Families

    Jason P. Hopper, *C.F.L.S.
    Partner

    Jason P. Hopper, *C.F.L.S.

    A Certified Family Law Specialist in California, Mr. Hopper brings nearly two decades of experience to complex family law matters. Recognized as a Super Lawyer and Rising Star, he has been featured in national media outlets like Fox News, The Wall Street Journal, and Forbes. Mr. Hopper provides dedicated representation in divorce, child custody, domestic violence, and LGBTQIA+ family law cases.

    Jessica L. Hopper, Esq.
    Partner

    Jessica L. Hopper, Esq.

    Jessica L. Hopper brings over a decade of family law experience and a background as a former sex crimes prosecutor with extensive jury trial experience. Ms. Hopper focuses her practice in Sacramento, Placer, and surrounding counties, handling divorce, child custody, domestic violence, and LGBTQIA+ family law matters.

    Michael R. Strebe, Esq.
    Partner

    Michael R. Strebe, Esq.

    Michael R. Strebe, a recognized Super Lawyer and Rising Star, is dedicated to providing effective and compassionate representation in family law. Mr. Strebe provides dedicated representation in divorce, child custody, and domestic violence matters with a firm yet collaborative approach, ensuring his clients feel supported and empowered.

    why us

    Why Choose Hopper Hopper & Strebe for Your Family Law Needs

    Hopper Hopper & Strebe offers client-centered representation, building a legal strategy around your specific needs and treating every family, regardless of structure, orientation, or identity, with the utmost dignity and respect.

    • Respectful Representation

      We treat every client with dignity and respect, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or family structure.

    • Personalized Legal Strategy

      No two families are alike. We take time to understand your specific situation, goals, and concerns, then develop a legal strategy tailored to your needs.

    • Clear Communication

      We keep you informed at every stage of your case, answer your questions promptly, and ensure you understand your legal options before making important decisions.

    faq

    Frequently Asked Questions About Same-Sex
    Marriage and Family Law

    Company logo

    Do I need to dissolve my domestic partnership if I get married?

    Not necessarily. Some couples choose to maintain their domestic partnership, while others prefer to dissolve it and formalize their relationship through marriage. We can help you understand the legal implications of each option.

    What if only one of us is the biological parent of our child?

    The non-biological parent should establish legal parentage through second-parent adoption or a parentage judgment. This ensures both parents have equal legal rights and protections, including custody and visitation rights if you separate.

    How does property division work in same-sex divorce?

    California applies community property laws equally to all married couples. Assets acquired during marriage are typically divided equally, while separate property remains with the original owner.

    What if we were together before marriage equality?

    California courts may consider the length of your relationship before marriage when determining issues like property division and support, especially if you had a domestic partnership or lived together as a committed couple.

    contact us

    Call Now for Knowledgeable and Skilled Legal Support

    Whether you're planning to marry, facing separation, or seeking to protect your parental rights, Hopper Hopper & Strebe is here to help. Contact our San Francisco same-sex marriage attorneys today to discuss your legal options and start building a plan for your family's future.

    Choose Practice Area
      Or call us now!
      (916) 518-9718
      contact us
      Thank you!
      Your message has been submitted
      Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
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