LGBTQ+

We are Here to Support You!

At Law Office James Chau, we are here to support ALL people in obtaining legal remedies in the family law scope. We understand the nuances and specifics of transgender, same-sex (lesbian, gay), non-binary, and alternative family arrangement situations and relationships and how these apply to California Family Law. 

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You deserve the attention and sensitivity required to advocate your case successfully in the courts. Therefore, please do not hesitate to contact us, no matter your situation. We are not here to judge. We are here to help you!

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Married couples and registered domestic partners must meet the California residency requirements to proceed with a divorce. 

If your domestic partnership is registered in California, you have automatically agreed to the jurisdiction of the California courts to end your domestic partnerships,  even if you move away or have never lived in California. So you do NOT need to meet the residency requirements married couples must meet.

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If your domestic partnership was NOT registered in California, you or your domestic partner must have lived in California for the last 6 months and the county where you plan to file the divorce for the last 3 months.

If you and your domestic partner do not live in California when you file to end your domestic partnership, the court may not be able to make orders about other issues like property, debt, partner support, or your children. If this is the case, we will work with you to obtain representation in your home state to resolve these outstanding issues.