Gamily

GAMILY is the group for gay, and gay supportive, families.  GAMILY’s goal is to unite families and create a support network of accepting and understanding families in Tulsa and the surrounding areas.  Our meetings take place on Monday at 6:30 PM and are biweekly.

If you have any questions about the group, e-mail OkEq Family Coordinator Ryan Arrowsmith at gamily@okeq.org.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Gay Families in Oklahoma

The following information is provided as a reference only.  Legal advice should always be obtained from an attorney prior to proceeding with any matter concerning custody or family law.

Q: Can same-sex couple have families in Oklahoma?
A: Absolutely!  There are same-sex couple raising families all across Oklahoma and the nation.  Many options are available to Oklahoma couples who wish to start a family: foster care, adoption, surrogacy, as well as the “traditional” route.

Q: Can same-sex couples adopt in Oklahoma?
A: There are no laws in the state of Oklahoma that prohibit same-sex couple from adopting.  While only one same-sex parent will be allowed to be on the birth certificate, Oklahoma doesn’t officially reject adoption petitions based on sexual orientation.

Q: Can both same-sex partners be on a child’s birth certificate in Tulsa?
A: No, not at this time.  Oklahoma does not allow for two people of the same sex to be listed on a birth certificate.

Q: If both parents can’t be on the birth certificate, how do you protect the rights of other parent not listed on the birth certificate?
A: A Guardianship can be set up for the second parent, giving them the ability to provide medical insurance, claim the minor child for tax purposes, make decisions on behalf of the minor child and handle the education needs of the child.

Q: What should we do to prepare to be parents?
A: Covering your legal bases as a couple should be a priority.  Since Oklahoma doesn’t recognize same-sex marriages or unions performed in other states, certain precautions should be taken.  A Last Will and Testament, Power of Attorney, Healthcare Proxy and other documents (as recommended by your attorney) should be completed to protect the right of each partner.

Once you know you’re going to welcome a child, a civil contract between the parents should be drafted.  Since Oklahoma only allows one parent to be on the birth certificate, should the relationship end, the parent not listed on the birth certificate may not have any legal rights to the child.  To protect the parent and the child, you should work with your attorney to draft a civil contract covering custody, child support and any other matters relating to the child should your relationship come to an end.

Both the Wills of the parents and the civil contract should clearly state how the child’s affairs should be handled in the event that the custodial parent is unable to care for the child.  

Q: How do we find child care/a pediatrician/attorney, etc. that’s accepting in the Tulsa area?
A: The GAMILY organizers are working on a comprehensive list of supportive and LGBT friendly vendors, including childcare, pediatricians, attorneys and financial planners.  If you know of a vendor that is LGBT friendly, e-mail gamily@okeq.org.