AboutMaenad Loyce Expertise I can answer questions on discovering oneself in mid-life, lesbian relationships, where and how to connect to other lesbians, coming out, the whole 'religion' thing and most any other questions about lesbian life.
Experience I discovered I was a lesbian in my late 30's after being married for 8 years and having two children. I have been out ever since. I've been active in or visited many lesbian communities and have a large network of live and cyber contacts.
Education/Credentials There is no such thing as a degree in Lesbian but I've studied Psychology, Sociology and Women's Studies at university level. I believe my personal experience counts more toward at least a Bachelor's education level in Lesbian.
Expert: Maenad Loyce Date: 7/8/2008 Subject: We are Expecting
Question Okay, Me and my Girlfriend are expecting. I am pregnant and we want to make sure that after or even before I have the baby that if anything happens to me that she gets Custody of our little girl... I would like to know how to go about doing this we would get married but of course the state we live in does not acknowledge or allow gay marriage. Please if there is any way you could answer my question or point me in the correct direction for this answer it would be greatly appreciated.
~Thank you~
Jennifer
Answer The law in such cases varies from state to state and there is no simple answer to your question, Jennifer. What I suggest is that you search out a good lawyer who is gay or gay-friendly. It's a tricky situation and you can't navigate the pitfalls by yourselves. Try looking at http://www.gaylawnet.com/ or http://www.gaylawyer.com/ for a lawyer in your state.
I also suggest you do some research on your own. Familiarize yourself with the laws for your state, search for others who might have gone through the same situation, ask for support from your local glbt community and don't be afraid to enlist local politicians to your cause if you need to.
Good luck, my dear, and congratulations on your future family.
