Arizona Court Recognizes Transgender Marriage: World’s First Married Pregnant Man Is Awarded Sole Legal Child Custody

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Thomas Beatie, the world’s first married pregnant man, has been awarded sole legal custody of his three minor children as a transgender male as decided by a Phoenix Arizona judge today. Lawyers from Cantor Law Group see this as an important case towards legality of same-sex marriage in Arizona.

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Cantor Law Group of Phoenix Arizona

The Court’s decision today reinforces our argument that the Mother’s domestic violence and substance abuse pose a serious danger to the children, whereas Mr Beatie’s transgender status does not.

The Superior Court of Arizona has found that Thomas Beatie, the world’s first married pregnant man, "will continue to have sole legal custody"(case FC 2012-051183) of his three children, after a public and intense temporary orders proceeding. His wife, Nancy, will get only supervised parenting time. While both Thomas and Nancy will be involved with any major life decisions for the children, Thomas has final decision-making powers if they cannot reach an agreement. The Beatie’s divorce proceedings will continue until a final trial date is scheduled in September.

”The Court’s decision today reinforces our argument that the Mother’s domestic violence and substance abuse pose a serious danger to the children, whereas Mr Beatie’s transgender status does not.” explains one of Mr. Beatie’s lawyers, David Michael Cantor of the Cantor Law Group.

Mr. Beatie made headline news in 2008 as the world’s first married pregnant man after being legally recognized as a man in 2002. As a married transgender man, he then gave birth to his three children from 2008 to 2010 and now resides in Arizona. The Arizona court’s recognition of Mr. Beatie’s marriage is believed to be the first of its kind in Arizona.

“I am very pleased that the courts see that the best interest and welfare of the children is with me.” states Thomas, “I hope that Nancy continues to seek treatment and that, in time, she will be able to effectively parent."

“Mr. Beatie is thrilled that this Court has recognized that a transgender marriage is a valid marriage under Arizona law.” continues Mr. Cantor, “Hopefully, this case will help pave the way for other State’s valid marriages to be recognized in the divorce courts of Arizona.”

The Cantor Law Group focuses exclusively on family law and is based in the Phoenix area. Located in the CityScape building in downtown Phoenix the Cantor Law Group exclusively handles legal issues surrounding the family; from divorce to child custody and support. Call 24/7 at 602-254-8880 or visit their website at http://cantorlawgroup.com.

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Roger Williams
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