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Since the legalization of LGBTQ marriages in 2015, many couples throughout the United States have happily tied the knot. But every marriage can come with its own unique set of joys and challenges, which is why, as any LGBTQ divorce attorney in NJ will tell you, it isn’t a bad idea to consider a prenuptial agreement.

Prenups tend to have a stigma around them that the relationship is doomed from the very beginning, but this simply isn’t the case. Instead, a prenup is designed to protect both parties in a marriage—not to predict the future of the relationship. It is used to help designate assets, indicates fair spousal support, protect a family business, and a host of other concerns in case of a divorce.

Prenups can become even more critical for LGBTQ couples since they can face many unique challenges that heterosexual couples don’t, including the potential of lingering discrimination in courts around the country as well as the likelihood of a more extended period of shared wealth accrual before tying the knot.

Having a serious discussion with your spouse-to-be and an LGBTQ attorney is a great way to avoid potential prenuptial disputes in the future as well as to build a solid, sound foundation for the future. While some people might try to tell you that a prenup isn’t romantic, smart couples understand that it helps strengthen their relationship and protect against things that simply cannot be foreseen.

Domestic violence doesn’t discriminate—it can affect anyone in any type of relationship, including straight, gay, bisexual, lesbian, and transgender. As a matter of fact, according to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, abusive partners in LGBTQ relationships use the same tactics as abusive partners in heterosexual relationships.

That doesn’t mean you have to remain a victim, however. As our LGBTQ divorce attorney in NJ can tell you, all states offer protections for victims through the criminal court of the family court system. This can come in the form of a restraining order—regardless of gender.

Additionally, if you are in an abusive situation, there are several organizations available to assist you, such as SAFE This local resource in Hunterdon County is dedicated to helping LGBTQ victims when they are seeking services related to domestic violence, including offering a 24/7 hotline, court accompaniment for restraining order proceedings, free group or individual counseling, and creative art therapies.

If you are a domestic violence victim, know that you are not alone and that there is help available to you. Whether you need the help of a domestic abuse lawyer for a restraining order or a divorce attorney to get out of your abusive marriage, support is here when you want it.