Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transitioning => Legal Matters => Topic started by: AnamethatstartswithE on November 02, 2015, 11:49:40 AM

Title: Could my transitioning affect a sibling's divorce?
Post by: AnamethatstartswithE on November 02, 2015, 11:49:40 AM
My sister is going through a divorce right now. Assuming I transition right away it wouldn't be until after the divorce is final. My soon to be ex brother in law is a bit of a spendthrift and I worry that he might try to sue for custody of my nephew (which would give him child support) saying that having a transsexual around (me) would be harmful for the child. I know it's 2015, but could this still be an issue? She lives in Pennsylvania, and I'm not sure exactly where I'll be in a few months, but it would be in the mid atlantic so I could visit them periodically but not all the time.

Could this cause problems or am I being paranoid?
Title: Re: Could my transitioning affect a sibling's divorce?
Post by: KarynMcD on November 03, 2015, 08:27:32 AM
You might want to have a quick chat with your sister's lawyer.
Title: Re: Could my transitioning affect a sibling's divorce?
Post by: AnamethatstartswithE on November 03, 2015, 02:40:57 PM
She is her lawyer and I'm not out to anyone yet.
Title: Re: Could my transitioning affect a sibling's divorce?
Post by: cindianna_jones on November 03, 2015, 02:44:07 PM
You certainly don't want to mess with potential custody issues. That could alienate your sister for life. Do you live with her? If the lawyer says so, then hold the "outing" for a while. You can also stay away from her home until the divorce is finalized. If the divorce isn't terribly ugly, you are looking at six months or so to push it through court. You can still proceed with your transition, I'm assuming?

Cindi
Title: Re: Could my transitioning affect a sibling's divorce?
Post by: AnamethatstartswithE on November 03, 2015, 02:54:08 PM
I actually live on a separate continent right now. I haven't really started transition yet, and the divorce should be finalized before I can start. I'm worried he could start something later.
Title: Re: Could my transitioning affect a sibling's divorce?
Post by: suzifrommd on November 03, 2015, 05:48:41 PM
Just my IMO, but I wouldn't lose sleep or delay transition over what a judge might decide in response to a lawsuit that might be filed.
Title: Re: Could my transitioning affect a sibling's divorce?
Post by: cindianna_jones on November 03, 2015, 05:59:05 PM
Quote from: AnamethatstartswithE on November 03, 2015, 02:54:08 PM
I actually live on a separate continent right now. I haven't really started transition yet, and the divorce should be finalized before I can start. I'm worried he could start something later.

In that case, I wouldn't tell anyone and do what you think is best for yourself. No judge will hold this against your sister unless you are violent.

Cindi