We are continuing to roll out the planned projects listed on the right on an ongoing basis. The general categories of cases we are now taking are Trans Umbrella Project for name change and legal protection package for trans and nonbinary folks; Parentage Protection Project for Known Sperm Donor Insemination Agreements & 2nd Parent Adoptions to protect non-biological parents who are in same-sex couples or LGBTQIA; and Wills & Life Planning documents for same-sex couples, LGBTQI individuals, platonic co-parents, polyamorous families, parent groups of 3 or more, caretaking partnerships, kinship networks, and other non-nuclear families.  

Our eligibility criteria are: 

• Household income at 250% or less of the federal poverty level ($31k for an individual, $42k for a couple, $53 for a couple with a child or triad - see the income and eligibility chart here) 
• Approximate net worth of less than $50k 
• NY or NJ residents (additional limitations based on project type, see below) 
• We serve same-sex couples, LGBTQI individuals, and non-nuclear and underserved family forms, including platonic co-parents, polyamorous families, parent groups of 3 or more, caretaking partnerships, and kinship networks 
• Services are fully free and pro bono unless additional fees are noted 

Project summaries:
 

Trans Umbrella Project: To protect you from whatever storms may come 

Trans Umbrella Project is intended as a name change & legal protection package for low-income trans and nonbinary folks who are among the most vulnerable in our LGBTQIA community and under attack.
 

With this project, we'll be serving TGNCNB youth and adults up to 250% of the federal poverty level based on household size, approximately $31,000 annual income for an individual.  
 

For residents of all of NJ:  

• Name change petitions & Gender marker change on birth certificate when legally allowed  
   

For NY residents in the 5 boroughs of New York City plus Westchester County, Putnam County, Dutchess County, and Ulster County: 

• Name change petitions  
• Gender marker change on birth certificate when legally allowed  
• Name and gender marker changes on state and federal identity documents  
• A protective Advance Directive package including: Healthcare Proxy and HIPAA forms; Medical Advance Directive and Living Will; Mental Health Crisis Directive; Hospital Visitation Authorization; Powers of Attorney 

Parentage Protection Project 

For residents of 5 boroughs of NYC, OR anywhere in New York State if sperm donor and intended parents all agree to attend one video meeting & to travel to NYC for a signing meeting, who are intended parent(s) using a known sperm donor: 

• Known Donor Insemination Agreements: To clarify waiver of rights & responsibilities by known sperm donors & support the legal rights of non-biological intended parents. 
• Additional fee: 1-2 hour consult review with a sliding scale attorney for sperm donor. 

For NY residents in the 5 boroughs of New York City plus Westchester County, Putnam County, Dutchess County, and Ulster County: 

• 2nd Parent Adoption to secure legal parentage for non-biological parent.  
• Additional fee: Approximately $700 fee for court ordered social worker study. 

Wills & Life-Planning 

For residents of 5 boroughs of NYC, OR anywhere in New York State if all parties agree to attend at least one video meeting & to travel to NYC for a signing meeting: 

• Serving same-sex couples, poly families, co-parenting & other non-romantic partners, LGBTQI individuals. 
• Wills, Health Care Proxies, Living wills, Guardianship of Children, Power of Attorney, Medical Advance Directives, Hospital Visitation Authorizations, Advice on beneficiary designation on financial accounts. 

GET HELP 

The Trans Umbrella Project has an online intake form HERE. 

For assistance in the other areas, please contact us at contact@chosenfamilylawcenter.org or call (732) 639-1657.