Dear Friends,

This certainly has been an exciting year with many ups, and a few downs, for the LGBT community. There is still so much legally that we are trying to navigate through and I cannot emphasize enough that LGBT individuals and families still need vital legal planning...now more than ever!

Since the June 26 marriage equality decision, I have received and seen a ton of questions regarding parental rights, birth certificates, and adoption. I have also seen, VERY understandably, A LOT of misunderstanding and misinformation.

While I cannot possibly go through everything you need to know in one post, what I can emphasize is that if you are an LGBT family YOU NEED PROFESSIONAL LEGAL ADVICE FROM A LAWYER. I could easily stop there. I know many of you are great at research and some of you have gone through a process specific to your circumstances, but NOTHING substitutes for the advice of a qualified attorney. This is NOT an area you want to take any chances of getting wrong.

As far as birth certificates, there are many developments in regards to adding the other spouse on the birth certificate. But what everyone needs to understand is that simply being on a birth certificate does NOT entitle you to full parental rights, particularly in the area of custody in the event of divorce or guardianship in the event of death. In fact, there are very little rights that are created by merely being listed on a birth certificate.
Marriage equality is wonderful and should be celebrated, but that does not mean that formalize legal protection is no longer needed. If anything, it is needed now more than ever. That takes the form of Wills, guardianships, powers of attorney, adoption, etc. Do not think anything happens automatically by being married or by being on a birth certificate. And do NOT try to take legal planning into your own hands. I see it fail almost every single time.

Please read my FAQ available on my website: http://www.burch-law.com/lgbt-community/. And, as always, please feel free to reach out with any questions.

Very truly yours,

Lorie L. Burch

A DFW RESOURCE FOR LGBT FAMILIES

If you are looking to connect with other gay families or searching for resources in support of the LGBT community, I want to introduce you to Rainbow Roundup. This is an amazing organization that has a tremendous outreach program.

Rainbow Roundup's mission is to promote acceptance in all aspects of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender families and allies, to serve and strengthen the community through social activities, education and connect resources to individuals.

To learn more, attend the next event or get involved, email info@rrup.org for more information.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Lorie chosen to speak on her LGBT journey as part of Holistic Festival December 6, 2015

I am honored to be chosen as one of the featured speakers for the Holistic Festival of Life and Wellness on December 6! My topic is "Becoming visible: How I became a more authentic version of myself by being open in a non-LGBT environment."

The event is being held at the Plano Convention Center and is free to the public. I go on at 12 pm, so I'd love to have you come out to support me and as well as attend this amazing event!

For more details, visit their website at: http://www.holisticfestivaloflife.com/.