Families Come in All Shapes

In 1865, immediately following emancipation, thousands of newly freed African Americans rushed to courthouses across the South to legally solemnize their relationships—a historical movement known as 'the great family formation.' They understood that legal recognition from the state was the single most powerful shield against having their families torn apart. This same principle is why I believe that even unmarried couples, need the shields the law provide to protect their rights.

I recently was able to help an unmarried couple who had been together for fifteen years. By drafting comprehensive domestic partnership agreements, healthcare proxies, and cross-guardianship documents, we erected a legal fortress around their union, granting them the exact rights history fought for.

What comes naturally to me is looking past basic legal boilerplate to see the cultural and emotional weight behind why a family needs protection.

I’m perfect for unmarried couples or blended families who are actively buying homes and raising children together, yet living without the legal safety nets of a marriage certificate.

When my work is complete, my clients feel absolute validation, knowing their family unit is legally protected and unbreakable.