CHILDREN

Family counseling is available and recommended for same-sex parents dealing with the challenges in raising children in same-sex households. Community support and resources have become more readily available, especially here in San Diego. Dr. Paul Standal and his associates help couples with the unique emotional and psychological issues regarding parenting styles, child custody issues with the other biological parent, and extended family relations.

Protecting the children’s interest and those of each partner in same-sex families is important for healthy family function. The couple must protect themselves and their family legally, which means covering all the bases, such as money, parental authority, health care decision-making, and so forth. Obtaining good, legal guidance and having appropriate legal documents in place will help if the biological parent becomes sick or dies—or if the couple breaks up—and will also help a couple enjoy parenting without needing to worry over “What would happen if …”